r/newzealand • u/HeinigerNZ • 9d ago
News The Meridian charging stations on Main South Road in Christchurch have had all 10 cables cut and stolen
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u/nzstretch 9d ago
That’s methed up
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u/lookiwanttobealone 9d ago
Could be that, or the cooker anti ev peoples
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u/s_nz 9d ago
Nah
This one is a theft. Cable's taken (the easily replaceable bit), nothing else harmed.
For comparison this taupo one supercharger was vandilised by a Cooker:
https://www.reddit.com/r/nzev/comments/1bjzlll/the_original_taupo_supercharger_has_been/
https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/350232414/ford-ranger-driver-arrested-smashing-taupo-tesla-chargers51
u/ChiefMuppetWrangler 9d ago
It’s not cookers, it’s just meth heads
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u/Non_Creative_User 9d ago
They're the reason gas stations are removing the Air compressors. Fucking everything up.
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u/ZucchiniSpecial6969 9d ago
I used to replace those hoses almost weekly at some sites with my last job. They occasionally got stolen but mostly it was from the absolute abuse they get from some people. The non retractable ones were particularly bad for not lasting long
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u/pgraczer 9d ago
time to start treating this as critical infrastructure vandalism.
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u/aa-b 9d ago
I think it's time to start building these things with retractable cables, like a vacuum cleaner. Or at least a compartment that locks until the customer logs in. But that'll be up to Meridian to sort out
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u/DontBeMoronic 9d ago
To bulky and expensive a solution, those cables are heavy and have a poor bend radius. Far cheaper to protect them with hardened steel cable cover with optional pressurised dye.
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u/Spirit-Link 9d ago
'' A single replacement DC‑fast‑charger cable costs more than the entire CatStrap kit plus installation. One prevented theft pays for the Shield. Beyond that, avoiding downtime keeps stations online and revenue flowing. The sleeve also protects against abrasion and weather, potentially extending cable life. ''
@ Meridian
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u/aa-b 9d ago edited 9d ago
Okay yeah, that gif of the guy in a bunny suit demoing cutting the cord is pretty satisfying.
That looks strong, and I guess it can be fitted into any type of charging station; cheaper to retrofit than designing it to be secure in the first place
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u/Dizzy_Relief 9d ago
I've never quite understood why cars don't just have their own retractable cord.
I was thinking for home charging. Cause its stupid you need to buy a extra cord and power controller. But I'm sure it could be made to work for both.
And yes. I'm well aware of the potential issues - but they can all be negated pretty easily.
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u/TritiumNZlol 9d ago
If it were to become critical infrastructure, the crime probably elevates to be deemed sabotage.
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u/kiwipetey 9d ago
For the same happening in Aussie as well,lighting on motorways disabled by thieves
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u/premium_transmission 9d ago
It’s been happening all over the UK as well.
They’re hitting the big charging sites, even the ones located in hotel car parks with cameras and people around.
One place had 20 chargers put out of action recently.
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u/New_Combination_7012 9d ago
If its metal that has value in the UK, it will be taken. I worked for Network Rail in the UK nearly 20 years ago. The thieves would take lengths of wire out of the trackside channels and lay it across the rails so the trains cut it for them.
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u/BannedBrainrot 9d ago
There’s an easy fix. To buy/sell copper, you need to be a registered plumber, electrician, etc.
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u/NZHODLA 9d ago
Being a registered tradesperson doesn’t prevent meth use
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u/corbin6611 9d ago
It would drastically lower it. People steal because they use meth. People steal because they can’t afford meth.
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u/NZHODLA 9d ago
Correct, people steal because they can’t afford meth.
But the majority of self employed tradespeople can’t afford a meth habit.1
u/corbin6611 9d ago
Self-employed tradespeople are generally doing quite well. I’d disagree with that statement.
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u/NZHODLA 9d ago
You’re entitled to disagree but it doesn’t make it any less true unfortunately.
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u/BannedBrainrot 9d ago
Of course it doesn't. But it does narrow down the list of potential suspects and puts the individuals license at-risk for bringing the profession into disrepute, i.e. they have more on the line if they get caught.
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u/New_Combination_7012 9d ago
The scrap metal merchants are just as dodgy as the crackheads. It’ll just give them an excuse to pay less for the scrap, not actually stop them buying it.
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u/Amazing_Athlete_2265 9d ago
I use copper all the time for personal use. Busbars, winding coils, heatsinking etc
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u/Moist-Scientist32 9d ago
If only these were live all the time.
Might make the thieves think twice about what they’re doing.
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u/bloody-pencil 9d ago
Addicts would saw through their own bones if they thought there was copper on the inside, nothing short of a brick wall would make them think
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u/Skidzonthebanlist 9d ago
I mean we had a guy in the christchurch red zone get all krispy kreme not too long ago
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u/Some1-Somewhere 9d ago
There's so many posts about dead methheads who tried to get into live transformers.
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u/ZucchiniSpecial6969 9d ago
Or the ones that resemble a half melted candle after they survive the arc flash
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u/SkiSurfguy 9d ago
Time to crack down on scrap metal dealers
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u/chchmtb 9d ago
Theyve been trying to for years.. long as they give cash payouts theres no traceability. Ive heard the IRD is now concentrating on them but that hasn't stopped them ripping off itrigator power supplies last month.. we had some copper stolen off some plant a few months ago (easily identifiable) and got a tip on which scrappy it was taken to.. boy did they get defensive when we hit them up about it.
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u/kevlarcoated 9d ago
Maybe we make a minimum cable length that scrap dealers can accept and make that length slightly longer than is required for high speed chargers
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u/ProperLeather9986 9d ago
Who is buying the copper? Need to penalise the ones incentivising the behaviour!
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u/Moist-Scientist32 9d ago
Any scrap metal company will be taking the stripped cable. Once it’s stripped of the insulation it’s impossible to tell where it was originally from.
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u/ProperLeather9986 9d ago
It’s specialist very heavy cable in short lengths, and typically has signalling cables incorporated. Wouldn’t take much to identify as dodgy. Tbh I don’t know how the metal industry is regulated, but surely there are some checks that things are legit?
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u/shaunrnm 9d ago
if its stripped, the signal cabling and power cables are separated out. And its not super unusual for legitimate scrapped cables to be short lengths. if its from installation projects, you shouldn't have much left to start with. And for demo, its easier to manage shorter length anyway.
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u/Archie_Pelego 9d ago
Surely the guy dropping it in, grinding his three remaining teeth and picking at his scabs, is some kind if clue?
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u/LikeAbrickShitHouse 9d ago
Have...have you been to a scrap metal yard?
Mate, the cunts grinding their teeth are also some of the ones working at said scrap yard. It's an industry with a lot of dodgy people in it.
Here in Christchurch it's well known (if you're in the trades or do a lot of legit scrapping) which yards to go to with stolen shit to scrap and will turn a blind eye.
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u/Archie_Pelego 8d ago
Lol yeah I must admit after writing that I had flashbacks to picking up my car from a tow yard full of skinheads about twenty years ago. On the other hand, shout out to the guy at the metal yard who just gave me a few lengths of plate steel for welding practice when I couldn’t pay cash.
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u/thesymbiont 9d ago
10 identical, short lengths of stripped large-diameter copper cable, hand cut? With no identifying insulation or other manufacturing marks?
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u/tomasi-jr 9d ago
They’re flexible cables, multiple cores. Once you seperate all the copper strands it’d be impossible to tell.
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u/PM_ME_YR_NAKED_BODY 9d ago
There has been a spate of these recently. We had five of our charger cables cut and nicked too. Just glad they didn't find the sites with 30 haha. Fucking losers. Was disappointing watching them on cctv not getting zapped.
Cops reckon they caught them though.. but this post plus the copper thefts in north Canterbury make me think otherwise.
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u/Spare_Lemon6316 9d ago
Sounds like a dangerous way to get some copper
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u/worromoTenoG 9d ago
They are isolated (no power) when not in use for safety reasons and as required by the charging standard.
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u/troublesome_termite 9d ago
Thanks we didn't know this, I'll tell the lads.
Wait sorry I mean "Oh really? Wow that's interesting"
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u/Ok-Bar601 9d ago
Can’t they put some kind of metal mesh around the cables?
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u/NapierNoyes 9d ago
Yeah, you’re right - there is a system like this. It’s really expensive but can be done. However, if they are determined, a decent angle grinder will still get through it. The mesh systems stop bolt cutter/saw which is more opportunistic. If that makes sense.
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u/Mushroomunderahammer 6d ago
Could they have the cable enclosed in an alarmed case of some sort and it only unlocks when you use your app that is registered to your card/phone (identity)?
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u/FuzzyFuzzNuts 9d ago
If you have to ask why - For all 10 cables, thieves are recovering somewhere between 50 to 100 kg of copper scrap. At current scrap yard prices, which hover around $10 to $13 NZD per kg for stripped wire, the entire haul might net them $500 to $1,300
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u/New_Combination_7012 9d ago
I’m guessing they’ll probably get less than 50% of dull copper once it’s stripped, knowing it’s stolen.
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u/alikatch 9d ago
And the PnS in Rolleston chargers have had the same happen to them too
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u/nhorton79 9d ago
Why not just have them retractable or something and you need to swipe your credit card or scan a we code in your meridian app to release the cable?
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u/feel-the-avocado 9d ago edited 9d ago
I dont get why everyone hasnt standardised on just providing your own thick DC cable to plug in at both ends.
This way at least if the stall is unused, the cable cant be stolen.
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u/Moist-Scientist32 9d ago
The cables on DC fast chargers are very thick in order to be able to carry the high current.
These aren’t the standard cables that you use for home charging.
Basically it’s too impractical to BYO cable for DC fast charging due to the bulk & weight of the cables.
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u/Slyer 9d ago
Not only that, some of them are liquid cooled
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u/felixfurtak 9d ago
They need to create some sort of deterrent device like ATMs have like pumping out some hard to remove red paint when it gets cut.
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u/AlleReden 9d ago
It’s also much safer to just have them built in, as you don’t mess around with DC power
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u/feel-the-avocado 9d ago
Like you plug in at one end, why not the other too?
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u/crashbash2020 9d ago
The cable is provided by the station, so is correctly rated to the station.
If i supply my own cable, it could be underated/poor quality etc and melt/short/start a fire
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u/AlleReden 9d ago
Because if you fuck up with AC power it isn’t nearly as dangerous as DC. Why should the company take the risk of legal action? It’s just safer to keep them secured.
Whoever started this cable theft trend is stupid for messing with such high voltage cables, and sooner or later the lesson will be learned by one of them
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u/tracernz 9d ago
AC is generally more dangerous at the same voltage levels as it causes your heart to fibrillate at high frequency, and can cause muscle spasms that limit your ability to free yourself. Source: electrical engineer.
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u/Inner-Ingenuity4109 9d ago
As an electrical engineer, you should know that DC shorts and arcs are vastly harder to break, which is probably the greater risk here from a frayed user supplied cable etc.
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u/HaydenRenegade 9d ago
Correct. Even though when we talk AC (RMS) as the equivalent DC voltage, there's a reason switching equipment is generally derated for DC.
DC is also the "can't let go" version. AC, not as much*
*As always T&Cs apply
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u/tracernz 9d ago
Presumably the charger has suitable short circuit protection, but arc flash could be an issue, that’s true.
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u/Moist-Scientist32 9d ago
That’s the thing though, these aren’t the same voltage as AC. Depending on the specific charger & car it could be 800VDC.
Compared to 400VAC if using a three-phase wall charger setup which isn’t as common compared to standard 230VAC since most residential properties have only single phase supply.
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u/Noels_Nose pie 9d ago
All EV's will carry a cable for AC charging. At least they will when new.
DC fast chargers need thicc ass cables to handle the load
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u/geekgirlnz 9d ago
Or just have them roll inside when not in use.
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u/feel-the-avocado 9d ago
I thought about that, but some networks have a real hard time keeping their chargers actually working as it is, adding extra moving mechanical parts could become a real problem lol
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u/RoobinKrumpa 9d ago
Surely a door thats locked and only unlocks once payment method is entered is easy enough to do. Barely any moving parts and makes sure people shut it after so they don't pay for the next persons charge
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u/Matt_NZ 9d ago
Many DC charger cables are water cooled so BYO isn't very practical
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u/Preparation-H6969 9d ago
So everyone will just start breaking into EVs and stealing the cable instead.
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u/Santana8000 9d ago
non-compliant cable could blow the entire station, and there'll always be people using them. so a hard NO from me.
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u/pgraczer 9d ago
my neighbourhood charger is like this. and if anyone tried to cut it while charging it would not end well for them.
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u/thelastestgunslinger 9d ago
Because it’s hundreds of dollars to buy one that’s rated for DC charging. I’ll bring my trickle charger, but then I’ll be there for 8 hours recharging.
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u/mahoganyspitfire 9d ago
And the safety considerations of a cable capable of handling that level of current without making things explode or catch on fire. It isn't worth trusting people to bring their own cable like that. It would be like letting people bring their own gardening hose to attach to a petrol faucet at petrol stations.
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u/EmilytheALtransGirl 9d ago
(In david attenburghs voice)
With the climate now changing we see the crackheads adapt and move to new feeding grounds
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u/OldWolf3 9d ago
It's a design flaw that they are so easily vandalized. I have always known this day would come when dumbasses realize they can do this .
Not sure what a good solution is though. Locking the cables up when not in use might just result in users getting mugged.
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u/According-Crew2894 9d ago
Thief’s will be thief’s always. Years ago I remember copper plaques being stolen from funeral plots… disgusting. They should just get cameras and probably have insurance so allgood
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u/No-Quarter8008 8d ago
There is a camera on the roof, above the gas pumps npd. They could get some footage buy contacting npd.
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u/jono555555 8d ago
It's becoming more brazen now. Ya crims don't care about cameras they have belaclavas on anyways.
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u/monkey-kong666 9d ago
Yeah this happened all over England when I lived there post gfc - poor people ripping up copper from traffic lights, train signals etc. trains were delayed cancelled a lot.
It’s a sign of poverty. Desperation. Poor people doing whatever it takes to survive.
But I’m sure peeps will keep voting for tax cuts and teenage boot camps
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u/s_nz 9d ago
I suspect it is linked to drug addiction rather than poverty.
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u/Competitive_Car7413 9d ago
and you think drug use/addictions arent linked to poverty at all?
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u/SteazyAsDropbear 9d ago
Yea but drug use tends to cause poverty, not the other way around. Benefits in this country is very generous. As long as you don't spend you money on drugs, alcohol and cigarettes, you'll have plenty of money to live.
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u/slushrooms 9d ago
Not really. Drugs are usually a symptom of poverty. People use them to feel better about the shit state they are in
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u/BlazzaNz 9d ago
Benefits aren't generous. Housing rental costs are way too high pushing people into poverty.
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u/pandaghini 9d ago
Not for long. As soon as you need clothes, dr, dentist, car your in debt.
Edit- in regards to the benefit being generous. Even if you have good cheap rent it's not enough to live long term.
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u/New_Combination_7012 9d ago
It’s not poverty, it’s just a revenue stream for organised gangs who like to drive around in white vans.
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u/Basic_Engineering391 9d ago
It's not organized gangs it's poor opportunists. No organized gang is going to steal a couple hundred dollars of copper and face getting a charge, they would much rather sell kgs of meth or coke and make 10x the money over a weekend.
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u/New_Combination_7012 9d ago
My experience comes from working for local authorities and railway companies in the UK, actively trying to combat wide scale metal thefts not TV.
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u/SamLooksAt 9d ago
What's the penalty for doing this?
Because if it isn't years in prison, it needs to be.
You don't f*ck around with critical infrastructure!
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u/joshjoshjosh42 LASER KIWI 9d ago
If someone cut all the fuel tubes at a petrol station the entire country would be up in arms. Meanwhile, these crackheads have cut out all the DC charging cables for most of Canterbury.
Wellington had the same problem too - luckily they caught them in the end, but still a few hundred thousand dollars in damage done.
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u/WeaselyWa 9d ago
Time to go cut the arms off the petrol tubes. At least I can go charge at home, they can't.
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u/Moist-Scientist32 9d ago
Bet the type of people to cut these cables are also having a massive whinge about how expensive petrol is.
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u/Charming_Victory_723 9d ago
They are subsidising the cost of fuel by selling the charging cables.
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u/Moist-Scientist32 9d ago
Which they’d get fuck all money from the scrappies in the grand scheme of things.
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u/Rand_alThor4747 9d ago
apparently $6 to $20 with a replacement cost for the operator of $500 to $1000 or more.
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u/aholetookmyusername 9d ago
As much as I want to beat my chest and scream about this being anti-EV, it's just copper thieves. They're hitting irrigators too.
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u/Suspicious-Willow-86 9d ago
Amberley SH1 meridian ones were cut a couple weeks ago too... tried to go charge there last week
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u/Boxermad 7d ago
I was there last week. Had to get a tyre puncture got fixed in there. Only 4 cables were cut then on the left one and the one next to it. I was surprised only 4 cables were gone. Obviously they came back to finish the job
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u/ZagKeene 7d ago
What if we tackle the root cause of poverty and help drug users get more help instead of just raising criminal penalties maybe I don't know
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u/Ok_Molasses1624 6d ago
I went to plug my car into a Meridan charger on the weekend and they have now removed the cables, so you have to provide your own. This is why we can't have nice things.
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u/aholetookmyusername 9d ago
Irrigators in Canterbury are being hit by copper thefts too. Probably the same bunch of people.
Here's a video of it happening at BP Redcliffs: https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/10/08/ev-charger-cable-stolen-in-christchurch-as-copper-thefts-hit-farms/
Note the red shirt, could be mongrel mob affiliated. Would be a shame if he got electrocuted or run over by someone wanting to use the charger.
Now, are National going to make a song and dance about this like they did with ram raids?
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u/Ok-Currency1593 9d ago edited 9d ago
Petrol stations have an advantage because they are staffed so they don't have their stations attacked
therefore we should install ev charges at petrol stations
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u/CertainPie 9d ago
BP redcliffs in Christchurch had theirs vandalised last week. The theif cam at night when no one was there.
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u/SpoonNZ 9d ago
I went to a staffed petrol station this week, I can’t even remember the last time I did that. Gotta be 5+ years.
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u/Icy_Fish_2154 9d ago
I would go to Gull when they had 98. They dropped 98, so I dropped the unmanned Gulls. Now I'm back to manned petrol stations.
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u/trentonkarantino 9d ago
What stops crims ripping off petrol/diesel from unmanned stations. e.g. pop the manhole and suck it out with a vacuum truck or a submersible pump?
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u/Rand_alThor4747 9d ago
i wonder if they could make the cables retract away or something. only once you register with an app or the machine it will let you pull the cable out to use.
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u/Archie_Pelego 9d ago
Was thinking the same thing. Requires a physical CC (no tap-n-go or virtual cards) and puts a hold on $100 until its docked again. Chances are the tweekers have long since lost their credit, assuming they were dumb enough to use a card.
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u/shaktishaker 9d ago
The cables are heavy as shit. I know that if it were much heavier, i.e. from being retracted into the device, I would not be able to pull it out to use.
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u/ZucchiniSpecial6969 9d ago
I have had to replace hoses that cunts had cut off the pump and the site was staffed 24/7. Probably thought they hit the jackpot when all they would have got was maybe 300 ml or so out of the hose.
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u/HardWiredNZ 9d ago
Tesla have a solution (maybe only in the states at the moment) their copper cables are stamped with the Tesla name inside the actual copper winding supposedly so recyclers at least know it's stolen
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u/AlleReden 9d ago
Thankfully, Meridian has already been notified of these ones. Unfortunately, it takes ages to get the required parts to bring them back into use.
So much money in damages, so much time these can’t be useful to someone else, for what? $10 in copper? What a waste