In the Bouches-du-Rhône department in southern France, two individuals were arrested for stealing 52 charging station cables, causing an estimated 120,000 euros in damage. This incident highlights a growing trend: the theft of copper cables, which has long been a problem for telecommunications companies, is now increasingly targeting electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. These cables are valuable because they contain copper, a metal with high market value, making them a tempting target for thieves. The arrest came after a routine traffic stop in Vitrolles, a town in the Bouches-du-Rhône, a few weeks ago. During the check, police noticed a suspicious vehicle, prompting an investigation by the local unit focused on combating car trafficking. Through surveillance, data analysis, and technical checks, the police identified the suspects. The pair was arrested on September 15 and is now being prosecuted for aggravated theft. The charges are elevated due to the involvement of multiple individuals and the damage caused to the infrastructure. The stolen cables were taken from at least ten different communes under the jurisdiction of the Aix-en-Provence court. The suspects will appear before the Aix-en-Provence correctional court on November 18, where the court will decide whether they should be placed under judicial supervision. This case is part of a broader trend across France, especially in the PACA region, which includes the Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, Vaucluse, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, and Hautes-Alpes. Since the summer of 2026, the theft of electrical cables, including power lines and telephone lines, has surged, with copper being the main motivation. The increasing number of EV charging stations has made them a new target for thieves. In fact, just days before the recent arrests, two other individuals were sentenced in the Aix correctional court for stealing electrical cables across several departments in the south of France, with damage totaling 500,000 euros. In response, some infrastructure operators have begun investing in surveillance technologies to better protect their assets from theft.