CatStrap Enters EV Charging Cable Anti-Theft Market

Across the country, cities are investing millions in advanced electric vehicle (EV) fast charging networks designed to power the next generation of cost-saving, clean electric transportation. Yet at countless sites, the chargers sit powerless, their cables sliced and stolen by bold thieves. From Seattle to Houston, this growing problem has left drivers stranded and operators facing costly downtime and repairs. Fresno and Los Angeles, California are some examples.

“Out of the 88 chargers that the City of Fresno operates, approximately 50–60 have been vandalized, and multiple times as well,” Melissa Almaguer, parking division manager with the City of Fresno, told ABC 30 Action News.

The motivation behind these crimes is simple: copper. Thieves target EV charging cables to strip out the metal for scrap, inflicting serious financial losses and undermining public confidence in the electric vehicle transition. Despite cameras, locked cabinets, and even round-the-clock patrols, the problem persists.

ABC 7 Eywitness News reported that thieves are targeting electric vehicle charging stations in Los Angeles for copper wire, cutting cords and even breaking into chargers using hacksaws. It’s a very costly fix to repair the vandalized stations.

Many in the EV community support AB 476, which California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law. It brings stricter penalties and enforcement to those paying for the stolen metal, which is not worth a lot of money.

“Los Angeles has become ground zero for EV cable theft, and operators are feeling it firsthand. Our EV Cable Shield was designed precisely for this problem, featuring a hardened steel core and optional dye deterrent that make cable cutting impractical with conventional tools. We’ve deployed over one hundred units across the city and have had zero theft incidents since installation,” said David Birsen, Owner/Operator at CatStrap – EV Charging Anti-Theft.

CatStrap’s Innovative Anti-Theft Products for EV Charging

Picture a thief approaching your charging station, tools ready. They bend down to cut the cable, but quickly realize this one won’t give in easily.

The CatStrap EV Cable Shield combines strength, visibility, and deterrence in one rugged design. The product features a dual-steel core — hardened spring-steel strips paired with aircraft cable — forming a 360° cutting barrier that resists bolt cutters, saws and grinders alike.

The steel matrix is encased in a black weatherproof nylon sleeve that secures tightly around the cable. It includes a bright yellow warning tag to ward off would-be thieves. To ensure complete protection, heavy-duty clamps reinforce the sleeve at the charger end, leaving no weak spots.

Pictured in the image below is an internal view showing the dual steel core construction inside CatStrap’s protective nylon sleeve.

In the image above, a CatStrap EV Cable Shield installed on a ChargePoint DC Fast Charger in Los Angeles is shown.

For maximum protection, the optional DyeDefender system can be added. It mounts alongside the cable and releases a bright blue dye if tampered with, instantly marking the perpetrator. The attached yellow warning tag lets thieves know what’s coming if they try. Thousands of units have been sold with zero reported theft attempts, proving its effectiveness in real-world conditions.

Installation is fast and simple. Your maintenance team can apply the CatStrap EV Cable Shield on site with no special training or tools required. Just wrap, tighten, and secure.

The result is a cable that’s not worth a thief’s effort. Cutting through it would take too long, make too much noise, and draw too much attention. Most thieves won’t even try.

Proven Performance

Since its pilot launch in October 2024, more than 1,500 CatStrap Cable Shield units have been deployed at public charging stations across seven countries. Even in high-risk areas where replacement cables were previously stolen within 48 hours, the CatStrap system has prevented theft and maintained cable uptime. Usability tests confirm the design’s balance of strength, flexibility, and manageable weight.

Field tests show that most attempted thefts stop before they start once a CatStrap system is visible. The bright protective sleeve and warning placard send a clear message: move on, this cable isn’t worth it.

David Birsen, VP of CatStrap, Interviewed by EVinfo.net

EVinfo.net had the great honor of interviewing David Birsen, VP of CatStrap. Birsen explained the many benefits of using CatStrap to protect EV charging cables from theft.

Bill Pierce:

What motivated CatStrap to enter the EV charging market? You’ve been known for catalytic converter protection – why cable theft now?

David Birsen, VP of CatStrap:

CatStrap has been developing products to protect catalytic converters for over a decade, with more than 100,000 installations and a 99.75 % success rate. When one of our fleet clients electrified its vehicles and immediately saw its charging cables cut for copper, we knew the same expertise could help. We redesigned our patented steel barrier into a flexible, armored sleeve specifically for EV charging cables, and we manufacture everything at our facility near Toledo, Ohio.

Bill Pierce:

Does the Cable Shield add noticeable weight or stiffness to the charging cord?

David Birsen:

Protecting hardware shouldn’t hinder drivers. The CatStrap EV Cable Shield adds less than eight pounds over the length of a cable, wraps securely with embedded stainless steel ties and preserves natural cable movement. Usability tests during our pilot program confirmed that most drivers don’t even notice it. The free floating steel matrix inside the sleeve maintains flexibility, so cables remain easy to handle even in cold weather.

Bill Pierce:

How does the Shield actually deter thieves?

David Birsen:

It provides deterrence by creating a hardened cutting barrier in the form of an armored sleeve. A matrix of hardened steel strips and aircraft cables run the length of the sleeve, forming a mechanical barrier stronger than most cutting tools. The armored elements are aligned along the cable with channel guides that include embedded stainless steel ties that secure it in place and it terminates with a heavy duty clamp, so there are no weak spots.

For added deterrence, operators can opt for our DyeDefender tube add-on, which releases a pressurized blue dye if someone cuts deeply into the sleeve. More than 1,500 Cable Shields have been deployed in seven countries since October 2024, with virtually 100% success – and those units include sites where replacement cables had previously been stolen within 48 hours.

Bill Pierce:

What’s involved in installation, and will it work on different chargers?

David Birsen:

Installation is straightforward – it takes about 60 minutes per cable, no special tools or training. You simply and secure the Shield and outer sleeve; our anti tamper clamp at the machine end locks it in place. Shields come in lengths from 10 to 25 feet, making them suitable for Level 2 and Level 3 (DC fast charge) stations, and they’re compatible with most cable management systems. We designed the sleeve to be modular, so operators can retrofit existing stations without affecting warranty coverage.

Bill Pierce:

From a business standpoint, how does CatStrap stack up against just replacing a stolen cable?

David Birsen:

A replacement DC fast charge cable costs more than the entire CatStrap kit. 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. With our warranty guarantee and replacement program in the U.S., operators see a rapid return on investment.

Bill Pierce:

Are there add ons or future developments operators should know about?

David Birsen:

Besides the DyeDefender, we’re developing an alarm that can pair with the Shield. Looking forward, our team is working on a late stage prototype of a modular tripwire triggered detection system that would activate an on site siren or strobe light and send an alert via Wi Fi. We’re also developing an anti grinder layer to resist battery powered angle grinder attacks. As theft methods evolve, we’ll continue innovating to keep cables safe and keep EV drivers charging with confidence.

CatStrap, Trusted by Thousands of Users for Over a Decade

CatStrap is a leader in anti-theft protection, trusted by thousands of users over a decade for its Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft devices. They boast a 99.75 % success rate and more than 100,000 installations, offering a warranty with a money-back guarantee. Their core product is a patented steel shield that resists cutting tools and is backed by bright visual deterrents. Add-on systems like the DyeDefender (which sprays dye in response to tampering) and the Cateye alarm complement the Shield. CatStrap offers universal compatibility, U.S. product support, and a wide network of installation partners. CatStrap products are proudly made in the USA.

Stop replacing stolen cables. Stop losing revenue and customer trust. Take control, protect your investment, and keep your chargers operating at full capacity. Power the transition to clean transportation with confidence. Order your CatStrap EV Cable Shield today and rest easy knowing your chargers are secure.

For more information, contact info@catstrap.net