RCMP Warning: EV Charger Thefts Rising in Richmond, BC

Community Safety Alert: EV Charging Cables Targeted

Richmond RCMP is alerting residents to a noticeable rise in thefts and attempted thefts of electric vehicle (EV) charging cables in residential areas. Reports have increased in recent weeks, with several cases concentrated in the Broadmoor neighbourhood and at least one additional incident reported in Shellmont.

Police investigators believe offenders are targeting EV charging equipment primarily for resale. Some homes have been hit more than once, including one property where it was the third theft attempt in the same month. Crime analysis shows a marked increase in EV charger thefts throughout May 2026, with multiple incidents now recorded across the city of Richmond, British Columbia.

Official RCMP Details

According to the official release from Richmond RCMP, officers have identified similarities between the current thefts and a series of EV charger thefts reported in 2024. While it is not yet confirmed that all reports are linked, the locations and methods show a consistent pattern.

Through review of surveillance footage and crime analysis, investigators have noted:

• A pattern of EV charging cables being removed from residential properties, often in front-driveways or exterior parking areas.
• Multiple incidents concentrated in the Broadmoor area, with at least one additional incident in Shellmont.
• One residence being targeted three times within a single month, including multiple attempts by a suspect to steal the same charging equipment.
• Charging cables believed to be stolen for resale value, making them attractive to property offenders.

In several of the reported incidents, surveillance footage has captured a suspect and a consistent method of approach:

• Suspect arrives on an electric bicycle.
• Suspect focuses on visible EV charging cables and related equipment on residential properties.
• Suspect is seen wearing distinctive clothing (exact details not provided in the public release).
• Police believe the offences appear opportunistic, targeting unsecured or easily removable equipment.

Crime analysts with Richmond RCMP report a clear spike in EV charger thefts during May 2026 city-wide, and investigators are working to determine whether these incidents are connected to each other and to the 2024 theft series.

Public Safety Advice from Richmond RCMP

To reduce the risk of EV charger theft, Richmond RCMP recommends that residents take the following steps:

• Remove and securely store EV charging cables when they are not actively charging a vehicle.
• Install motion-activated lighting around driveways, carports, and exterior parking spaces.
• Use security cameras or video doorbells where possible to monitor the area around your vehicle and charging station.
• Whenever possible, park vehicles and EV charging equipment in well-lit, visible areas.
• Record and retain serial numbers and product details for your EV charging equipment to assist police with identification and potential recovery if stolen.
• Report any suspicious persons or activity in your neighbourhood to police immediately.

RCMP investigators stress that quick reporting and the sharing of surveillance or dashcam footage can significantly support ongoing investigations into these property crimes. For broader context on local trends and related offences, residents can review Richmond, British Columbia crime statistics and safety data compiled by CrimeCanada.ca.

How the Community Can Help

CrimeCanada.ca and Richmond RCMP are asking the community to stay alert and assist where possible. If you have witnessed suspicious activity around EV charging stations, noticed someone repeatedly checking driveways at night, or captured relevant footage, your information may be important.

• To provide information, or if you have dashcam or surveillance video from the affected areas, contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212.
• If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or visit www.solvecrime.ca.

Members of the CrimeCanada community who observe similar behaviour or patterns in other regions are encouraged to follow our ongoing safety alerts and incident updates to stay informed and report concerning activity promptly.

CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective

From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this alert highlights how targeted thefts of specialized equipment—such as EV charging cables—can spread quickly once offenders see that items are valuable and relatively easy to remove. While these are property crimes, repeated thefts can create financial strain for households and erode people’s sense of safety at home. For communities in British Columbia where EV adoption is increasing, it is important to integrate EV security into everyday crime prevention habits: treat charging cables like other high-value items, bring them inside when possible, improve exterior lighting, and regularly review camera coverage around vehicles. Prompt reporting of suspicious behaviour, even if a crime has not yet occurred, helps police map patterns and intervene earlier, contributing to safer neighbourhoods and more resilient communities.

Official Source & Community Safety

This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the british-columbia community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.

Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.