electrical automobile charging stations – KIRO 7 Information Seattle

SEATTLE — Thieves on the hunt for copper have discovered a brand new goal: electrical automobile charging stations.

Seattle Metropolis Mild says eight of its EV charging stations have been hit since final March. The thieves are on the lookout for what the utility says is a small quantity of copper.

Thieves hit the charging station in Seattle’s Central District simply this previous weekend. And that was the second time thieves vandalized this EV charging station.

Now house owners of electrical automobiles are discovering indicators posted on EV stations indicating they aren’t working.

“So, they’re coming, they usually’re taking an implement, they usually’re slicing it off on the finish,” mentioned Jenn Strang, a spokesperson for Seattle Metropolis Mild.

She confirmed us simply what the thieves have been after.

“So, you possibly can see on the finish the place there’s a small quantity of copper,” Strang mentioned, pointing to the remaining stub. “However the remainder of it’s simply an insulated cable.”

A small quantity of copper and never a big return.

“What they assume could be very priceless seems to not be very priceless in any respect,” Strang mentioned.

The worth? “It’s about $10,” she mentioned.

You may see the cables the thieves are slicing off at electrical automobile charging stations that haven’t been focused.

Since March, crooks have hit eight of the 13 charging stations Seattle Metropolis Mild has round its service space. And it’s harmful. Some electrical energy is all the time flowing via the cables.

Nonetheless, the crime doesn’t shock customized furnishings designer Joel Shepard who works throughout the road from these stations.

“Effectively, in the event that they’re going to take catalytic converters and danger there,” mentioned Shepard, “why not take the simple ones?”

“I really feel like that’s only a symptom of a much bigger drawback,” mentioned Maddie Fives, Seattle, “which, like, sucks as a result of electrical automobiles ought to have a spot to cost. However we should always do one thing in regards to the individuals who want cash and meals and housing.”

In the meantime, Strang says Metropolis Mild can also be planning a pilot program to create curbside EV stations which can be primarily only a pole and a hose that drops down.

“We may have 30 of those who we’re putting in all through the service territory,” mentioned Strang. “And that’s beginning as quickly as February.”

The thefts are a really costly crime for Metropolis Mild. It prices $2,500 to restore these stations each time this occurs.

There’s one other drawback. That is taking place in lots of locations. So, provide chain points are making it troublesome to maintain up with demand.

And, after all, it is a crime. If you recognize something about these thefts, you’re requested to name Seattle Police.

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