MINNEAPOLIS — The city of Minneapolis says 2023 was the most challenging year when it comes to wire thefts.
The city has paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to replace streetlights after the copper wiring was stolen. Now thieves have another target. They’re cutting cables at EV Spot Network charging stations.
It’s a trend that’s being seen across Minneapolis and St. Paul. Some locations have been targeted more than once, making it a costly crime. Minneapolis’s Public Works Department says there’s not that much copper inside the charging cables for thieves to steal since the cable has other materials and insulation.
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In a recent Facebook post from Minneapolis police, authorities said a pound of copper is only worth a couple dollars. Meanwhile, the cost to replace the charging cable and damage costs the city thousands.