Creating CableGuard® with Formula Space

EV Cable Theft Protection

The Growing Threat of EV Cable Theft

EV charging cable theft is a fast-growing threat to the UK’s electric vehicle infrastructure. Stolen cables, damaged chargers, and site downtime can quickly erode customer confidence and cost operators thousands. According to EV Infrastructure News, one operator reported 33 instances of cable damage or theft across 13 sites in a year, while in the West Midlands over 100 cables were targeted between November 2023 and July 2025, costing around £410,000 in total losses.

Thieves specifically target the high-value copper found within these cables, often stripping multiple units from a single site in minutes. This leaves chargers completely inoperable, causing significant disruption for drivers and requiring costly repairs and safety checks for operators.

Innovative Protection: CableGuard® Powered by SmartWater®

To combat this rising tide of crime, Formula Space, the EV infrastructure experts, sought out the forensic marking expertise of DeterTech. Together, we are deploying CableGuard®, a sophisticated theft protection system designed to harden charging sites and provide forensic traceability.

CableGuard® is a modular security solution that integrates DeterTech’s proprietary SmartWater® forensic marking liquid directly into the charging cable assembly.

How CableGuard® Protects EV Charging Infrastructure

Forensic Traceability:

SmartWater forensic liquid is embedded along the full length of the cable. If a theft occurs, the liquid is triggered, transferring to the offender’s tools, clothing, skin, and vehicles.

Irreversible Installation:

The protection is permanently bonded to the cable using a specialised mix of clamps, glue, and heat shrink to prevent removal.

Cut Resistance:

The system is designed to increase the time and effort required to cut a cable, forcing offenders to remain on-site longer and increasing the window for detection by CCTV or alarms.

Visible Deterrence:

Every installation includes high-visibility SmartWater “Thieves Beware” signage and stickers to warn potential offenders that the site is forensically protected.

Prosecution Support:

Our SmartWater lab provides expert analysis for seized materials, helping police build a “closed-loop” of evidence to secure convictions.

A Partnership for Resilience

At DeterTech, our mission is to provide peace of mind through innovative security. By combining Formula Space’s deep expertise in EV infrastructure with our world-class forensic technology, we are helping to ensure that the UK’s transition to electric transport remains reliable, available, and secure.