Security solution from G4S cuts electric vehicle charging ports cable theft

Rural installations of charging ports surged by 45% last year, outpacing the 35% growth seen in urban settings according to recent Government data, and are essential for the UK’s 2030 infrastructure goals. However, this rapid roll-out in isolated areas, often near motorway gateways, provides criminals with the perfect combination of zero surveillance and quick escape routes.

Criminal gangs are also using increasingly sophisticated ‘guerrilla’ tactics to strip sites in broad daylight. They frequently use cloned contractor vans and high-visibility PPE to pose as legitimate maintenance crews, disabling entire charging hubs in a matter of minutes.

There’s concern the number of thefts will grow, with the value of copper inside each cable having risen significantly in the past year. Each one now contains around £25 worth of metal.

High price of service disruption

The impact of charging bays being unavailable extends beyond repair costs. Network charge point operators face significant reputational damage, with consumers being less likely to return to charging ports that are continually out of action.

Simon Martindill, head of the G4S Academy for the UK and Ireland, explained: “While a thief might only net £25 in scrap copper per cable, the charge point operator faces a costly bill when accounting for repairs, lost revenue, reputational harm with customers and the risk of heavy Government fines for service downtime.”

Martindill continued: “The increase in rural and underdeveloped locations will be seen as an opportunity by gangs who are already increasingly operating across county lines to exploit gaps in local police jurisdiction. This is why proactive security is so vital.”

The ‘Smart Edge’ model 

In response, G4S has deployed Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered security technology at the charging ports it protects. The technology has already slashed vandalism and cable theft by 40% across nationwide hubs, moving the industry from reactive recording to proactive and real-time intervention.

G4S’ ‘Smart Edge’ security model moves beyond traditional surveillance, which often only records a theft after the damage is done. By using AI-powered analytics, the G4S system can detect suspicious behaviour (such as loitering or unusual heat thresholds) and trigger immediate deterrents.The layered defence system includes:

*Alerting: analytics identify unusual or suspicious behaviour and flag an alert

*Audio deterrence: AI-triggered speakers that warn offenders they’re being monitored in real-time

*Live intervention: remote security operators who can challenge individuals via two-way audio

*Mobile response: rapid dispatch of physical security teams to secure the site and gather evidence

As referenced, in a nationwide roll-out across 76 hubs, this G4S-managed security architecture has achieved an estimated 40% reduction in vandalism and cable theft within the first six months. Additionally, remote visual troubleshooting has allowed operators to reduce physical site visits by 25%, further protecting their commercial business model.

Managing the bays centrally allows a single staff member to have a consolidated view of all of the bays, which is particularly important given the geographically dispersed nature of those bays.

*Further information is available online at www.g4s.com