A 26-year-old Christchurch man has been charged after a series of thefts targeting electric vehicle charging stations across the city.

He faces multiple charges, including five counts of theft over $2000, and is due to appear in the Christchurch District Court tomorrow.

Police have received numerous reports in recent weeks of charging cables being cut and stolen from stations across the district.

Canterbury Rural Area Commander Inspector Peter Cooper said the thefts had hit both businesses and the public hard.

“The offending has caused significant disruption to EV users and substantial costs to charging network providers through damage and replacement of infrastructure.”

He said police had been working with victims and industry partners to find those responsible.

“While an arrest has been made, our enquiries are ongoing and we are not ruling out further arrests.”

Police are asking anyone who has seen suspicious activity around EV charging stations, or has information about stolen items, to get in touch.

Information can be provided online at 105.police.govt.nz or by calling 105. It can also be given anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.