With EV charging station crime on the rise, particularly cable theft, we explore the importance for security in this industry and why CCTV is essential to protect them.
Following a sweep of cable thefts, Instavolt, the UK’s largest operator of rapid chargers reported cable costing at least £1000 to replace, however, this is only one of the concerns surrounding them.
EV charging stations are central to the growth of the industry, drivers rely heavily on them to ensure their vehicles remain functional. Without EV charging station security, the industry could lose public trust, and in turn, their interest.
Security Measures for EV Charging Stations
There are various security measures that can be implemented to protect your EV charging stations, however, the cheapest option is unlikely to produce the best result.
Instead choosing the method that is most suited to your security requirements is likely to be much more effective and tackle the unique risks presented to your EV charging stations.
Universally, CCTV systems, particularly Mobile CCTV are considered the most effective and efficient form of defence, but we understand the importance of exploring your options or utilising a blended approach is an individual choice.
There are multiple security approaches, all of which can be blended with CCTV. These include:
Perimeter Fencing and Physical Barriers
Physical barriers such as bollards and wheel stops will often be used with EV charging stations to avoid damage from drivers, however, you can also utilise them for security purposes also.
Bollards and other types of metal barriers can be placed around the charging stations to make access more difficult to any unauthorised individual.
This can help with reducing the risk of theft, however, the crime deterrence factor is minimal as criminals are likely to still be able to access the EV charging stations and cause damage.
Security Guards
Security guards are a popular security method as they can monitor locations day and night, and act as crime deterrents.
They can be utilised with various location sizes and can follow patrol routes of the perimeter for you.
However, with many EV charging stations being held in public spaces security guard monitoring may not be possible or the most effective. Crime is carried out day and night, displaying the confidence criminals are displaying towards the EV industry.
Security guards will be unable to intervene heavily due to safety procedures, therefore even if criminals are identified, they may not be able to stop them whilst the crime is active.
This method is also likely to be more expensive following last year’s budget announcement that saw the Government increase employer’s National Insurance contributions raised and minimum wage increased.
Perimeter Fencing and Enclosures
Similar to physical barriers, perimeter fencing and enclosures can be used with EV charging stations. They can be placed around the perimeter or encase the charging stations themselves.
These aim to restrict access to any unauthorised individual and prevent crime such as theft or vandalism.
Although these options are likely to provide a stronger form of defence to bollards and other metal barriers, cabling is still exposed making them prone to theft and it could make authorised users’ experiences more difficult.
Mobile CCTV
Generally, CCTV systems are extremely popular across most industries, but it is key to have the correct system in place for optimum security.
Traditional CCTV systems will simply record crime that takes place and store it for you to provide to the Police to support with any potential legal proceedings.
However, for theft and vandalism, capturing criminals following an incident can take a long time, with a high chance that those involved cannot be located.
With Mobile CCTV such as our Rapid Deployment CCTV Towers, they often provide a more proactive approach to security. All of our CCTV products can live monitor threats and follow up with the appropriate form of response through our remote monitoring capabilities.
This allows criminals to be caught in the act and immediate action to be taken to prevent or stop any criminal activity.
6 Reasons Why CCTV is Essential for EV Charging Station Security
At WCCTV, we continually see the success of Mobile CCTV across various industries in preventing and protecting buildings, valuable equipment and vast spaces.
To understand how CCTV can support you and your EV charging stations, we have delved into the 6 reasons why it is essential for security:
Deters Crime
CCTV works as a crime deterrent as it threatens the identification of criminals whilst making them aware that the site is secured and being recorded.
Issues such as theft, vandalism and loitering can all be deterred through the use of CCTV. This is particularly beneficial for EV charging stations in public spaces where unauthorised individuals can access them easily.
With our CCTV Towers, we found ways of boosting criminal deterrence further with its design. Standing up to 6m tall and bright yellow, we aim to create a bold security presence by making it known clearly that the location is under watch.
Helps Detect Any Overheating and Fires
Due to the high amount of electricity that EV charging stations use, there is a risk of overheating and fires. Damaged cabling and other faults can also increase this risk, so it is important to measure the temperature of your stations.
Some CCTV systems including our Thermal Solar Powered CCTV Towers can offer thermal image monitoring alongside your security. This helps to both monitor any crime or unauthorised persons, and track for any potential overheating.
Overheating can cause fires that not only damage your EV charging stations but the surrounding area, and this can be costly.
By utilising a security solution that can support you with this risk, as well as the other key areas, it provides you with a cost-effective method and helps prevent any costly catastrophes.
Remotely Monitors and Responds to Threats
Remote monitoring services are not involved with all CCTV systems, however, if you are utilising a system where this service is present it can help to monitor and respond to threats presented.
With our Mobile CCTV systems, we provide remote monitoring capabilities which helps to reduce false alarms and allows us to react quickly to both prevent and stop active crime.
There are many benefits to remote monitoring services, but for EV charging specifically it is the support that can be provided surrounding the issues of cable theft and vandalism.
Watch how our cameras identify threats and intercept the crime using our remote monitoring service:
Improves Safety
By helping to deter crime, CCTV improves safety for your EV charging stations, any vehicles using them and any drivers or authorised individuals within that location.
However, it also helps to boost the overall safety of that area and the surrounding community.
CCTV can provide a sense of security for both residents and visitors utilising your EV charging stations just with their presence, and this can resonate even further into the wider community.
Being able to see visible security and cameras monitoring a site builds trust with users and encourages repeat use which is financially beneficial to you.
Stores High-Quality Video Imaging for Evidence
Most CCTV systems will store video for a period of time to allow for it to be reviewed if needed or to use as evidence in instances where crime has taken place.
For cable theft and EV charging station damage, this is vital in helping claw back any financial loss created from such events and to support with any repairs or replacements required from it.
However, as much as video evidence is beneficial, poor quality imaging may not be able to be used in any criminal proceedings or help with identifying individuals involved. Therefore, ensuring the CCTV system you use records high-quality video is key to ensuring security in instances where an incident occurs.
All our products record high-quality video and are stored safely for you to be able to utilise if required. We also offer additional Video Analytics software that provides advanced detection, verification and alerts for a range of intelligent surveillance and monitoring applications.
Tracks Unauthorised Vehicles
Unauthorised persons are not the only threat that requires monitoring with EV charging stations, unauthorised vehicles can also be problematic.
With WCCTV’s products, we offer ANPR as an additional feature onto our Towers and Redeployable CCTV Cameras. This can automatically monitor and identify vehicles, so if a vehicle is involved in any unauthorised or criminal activity, it can be tracked by the cameras.
This can help identify the owner of the vehicle which can be used as supporting evidence for any criminal proceedings that could follow.
WCCTV’s Mobile CCTV: The Solution for EV Charging Station Security
With the EV industry only projected to grow, so is the likelihood that criminals will continue to target this ever growing market. A simple act from them creates a large ripple effect for you with reparation costs and customer impact.
Finding a solution to this on your own can be difficult, however, by working with WCCTV and utilising our 20-years of expertise in security solutions, our Mobile CCTV systems will help to tackle the security risks presented to the EV industry.
Want to know more? Speak with one of our security solution specialists today to find out how we can support you with this.
