West Shore RCMP are appealing for the public’s help once again after releasing new surveillance images of a suspect believed to be behind a string of EV charging cable thefts in Langford and Colwood.
Police say the ongoing investigation involves several cases of mischief over $5,000, where charging cords were cut and stolen from multiple public stations during the early morning hours, typically between midnight and 3 a.m.
Between late September and late October, several locations were targeted, including:
- Peninsula Co-op Gas Station on West Shore Parkway in Langford (September 30th)
- Highlands City Hall on Finlayson Arm Road (October 2nd)
- View Royal Town Hall on View Royal Avenue (October 3rd)
- Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre and the nearby park and ride on Island Highway in Colwood (October 3rd and 4th)
- Shell Gas Station on West Shore Parkway in Langford (October 4th)
- BC Hydro station near Ocean Boulevard and Island Highway in Colwood (October 28th)
- Quality Foods on Latoria Boulevard and Royal Roads University on Sooke Road (October 28th)
Police say the suspect appears to be driving a light-coloured SUV, likely an older Jeep Patriot. The vehicle’s licence plate is not known.
The suspect is described as a man with light skin who was wearing dark clothing.
“These targeted thefts have caused thousands of dollars in damage and disrupted local services,” said Cpl. Danny Grieve with the RCMP’s Crime Reduction Unit.
“Our team is fully engaged in identifying and arresting those responsible.”
West Shore RCMP have increased patrols around EV charging stations, but the suspect remains unidentified.
Police are dvising station owners to install cut-resistant cables, improve lighting and surveillance systems, and place chargers in well-trafficked areas to help deter theft.
Anyone who recognizes the man or the vehicle is asked to contact the West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264 or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
