A stranger parked on my driveway and used my EV charger — here’s what happened

Imagine returning home from a weekend away to find a stranger’s electric vehicle parked on your driveway — and plugged into your personal EV charger.

That’s exactly what happened to a homeowner in Cambridge, UK, who recently shared their bizarre experience online. While they were away, someone had opened their front gate, pulled up onto their private drive, and plugged into their charger — without permission. When the homeowner returned, they found the trespasser’s car drawing power from their charger with about 8% battery remaining.

Acting quickly, they switched off the charger at the wall, effectively locking the charging cable in place (a built-in safety feature). They then shut and locked the gates to prevent the car from being driven off.

Is it theft? And what are your rights?

Understandably, the homeowner questioned whether this could be reported as theft — of electricity, of access, or even of driveway space. While unplugging the charger and locking the gate might seem confrontational, it raises real questions about where the line is drawn between civil dispute and criminal behavior.

In this case, it quickly escalated.

By the next day, the homeowner received a call from neighbors who reported someone trying to cut through the gate. Police arrived on the scene along with the EV owner, a man claiming to be a hotel guest from just around the corner. According to him, a hotel staff member had told him it was fine to use the charger, possibly because the property had sat empty for several months before its current owners moved in.

But the situation turned serious when the homeowner reviewed security footage. The footage showed the man damaging both the gate and the charger in an attempt to retrieve his cable. Despite his denials, police were shown the video and subsequently arrested him for criminal damage.

Since the car had no remaining battery and couldn’t be driven away, police arranged for its removal. Meanwhile, the homeowner was left dealing with repairs and the prospect of speaking with the hotel responsible for giving out misleading information.

Lessons for EV owners and homeowners

This story might seem outrageous, but it highlights some key concerns in the growing EV landscape:

• Mark your private charger clearly. Make it visible that it is not for public use.
• Secure your driveway if you’re away. Smart gates or camera systems can help prevent unauthorized access.
• Know your legal rights. In the UK, unauthorized use of private property and utilities can fall into civil or criminal territory depending on the circumstances.

This incident serves as a reminder that while EV infrastructure grows, so too must public understanding and etiquette, and property boundaries still matter, no matter how desperate someone is for a charge.