The impact can extend far beyond the immediate cost of replacing broken equipment. A single incident can disrupt an entire charging site, leaving multiple bays unavailable and creating frustration for drivers who rely on accessible and reliable charging.

According to Hanwha Vision, the scale of the challenge is growing. German operator ENBW alone recorded more than 900 cases of cable theft at over 130 locations in 2025, resulting in damages amounting to several million euros. Danish energy company OK reported a three-fold rise in charging cable theft in the first half of 2025. And across the UK, more than 200 incidents of theft and vandalism against EV chargers were reported between 2022 and mid-2025.

Security - from reactive to proactive

Investing in a comprehensive video security solution, suggests Hanwha Vision, can make a significant difference, supporting operators in a proactive approach that prevents damage from occurring in the first place. Video surveillance in car park environments can reduce crime by up to 37% and by up to 52% if the system is actively monitored.

Modern cameras are equipped with advanced video analytics and AI that help operators identify unusual activity, spot repeat offenders, and provide real-time alerts to aid faster intervention from ground teams. Positioning such cameras to provide complete coverage of charging bays, entrances and exits ensures that operators can maintain visibility across the entire charging environment. AI-powered analytics can identify unusual behaviour, such as a person entering a charging bay when no vehicle is present or a vehicle remaining in a charging area for an extended period without actively using the charger.

Real-time alerts can help security teams respond quickly, while integrated deterrence measures, such as triggered lighting or audible warnings, can help prevent incidents before significant damage is caused.

This type of intelligent monitoring enables security teams to focus on genuine exceptions rather than constantly reviewing hours of footage. For example, virtual alarm zones can automatically adjust based on expected activity. When a vehicle is charging normally, the system recognises the activity as expected. Once the vehicle leaves, the area can automatically return to an active monitoring state, triggering an alert if someone enters the space without a legitimate reason.

Jack Turnell, Commercial Product Manager agrees, stating that “The real value comes from turning intelligent detection into a coordinated response. By connecting camera analytics with cloud-based monitoring, alarm management and remote incident tools, operators can protect distributed charging sites from anywhere while also improving uptime and operational efficiency.”

Value-added benefits

Taking a more proactive approach to EV charging station security offers benefits beyond theft prevention.

When incidents do occur, cloud-based recording and remote incident management provide operators with critical evidence to support investigations and insurance claims. Evidence can also be shared with law enforcement to prevent repeat offences and wider gang-related targeting.

Security systems can also support wider operational efficiency by monitoring charging infrastructure health. Through integration with charging units, operators can receive proactive notifications when equipment requires attention, helping reduce unexpected outages and maintain availability.

As John Lutz Boorman, Head of Product and Marketing at Hanwha Vision Europe, explains, “Video has evolved beyond being merely a cost centre. When intelligently deployed, it can deliver a measurable return by helping operators prevent costly incidents, reduce downtime and maintain the availability of their charging network. By combining high-quality video with intelligent analytics and integration with charging infrastructure, operators gain greater visibility of their assets and can act earlier when something is wrong. The result is a security investment that can help reduce operational costs while protecting revenue, customer experience and the long-term value of the charging network.”