With copper theft damage to EV charging stations already at $20,000, Edmonton is using new technology to catch culprits

The City of Edmonton is increasing monitoring and security of EV charging stations in a bid to curb copper theft.

According to Edmonton Police, there have been 168 cases of copper wire theft so far this year. Seven involve EV charging stations — speciifcally the charging cables — with damages totalling $20,000.

“The City of Edmonton is grateful for the Edmonton Police Service’s diligent work in addressing the theft of electric vehicle charging station cables,” says Livia Balone, director of environment and climate resilience, community activation planning and environment services with the City of Edmonton, in a press release.

“This infrastructure is critical, not only for the convenience of electric vehicle owners, but also for the broader success of our city’s energy transition. Ensuring that charging stations are operational and accessible is essential as we work towards a sustainable future that works for everyone.”

More widely the city estimates total infrastructure damage to be in the millions stemming from copper wire theft over the last two years. Police say the issue is also likely to be under-reported.

Anti-theft technology

In March 2025 the City of Edmonton launched a pilot for anti-theft technology relating to EV charging cables.

Both the police and the city are tight-lipped on exactly what the technology entails, but, so far, say police, the initiative is going well.

For example reads an Edmonton police release, “An electric vehicle charging cable theft that was reported by a business to police in the area of 112 Avenue and 142 Street on April 9, 2025.  Due to the presence of the technology that was used in this charger, police were able to recover it and arrest two male suspects.”

Edmonton Police are offering further education to EV charging station operators in the city in the hopes that more adopt the technology.

“The EPS is committed to collaborating with the City of Edmonton and industry partners in supporting the implementation of anti-theft technologies and combating the persistent issue of copper wire theft across the city,” says Acting Staff Sgt. Sean Parker with the EPS’ Community Operations Response Section.