How to prevent a charger from getting stolen?
To prevent a charger from getting stolen, use a multi-layer approach that combines secure storage, labeling, and, where possible, tracking. Avoid leaving chargers unattended in public or shared spaces and be mindful of where you store them.
The guidance below covers common scenarios—at home, in the office, while traveling, in cars, and in public areas—and provides practical steps you can implement today to reduce the risk of charger theft.
Keep Chargers Secure at Home and in the Office
Secure storage and access control
In indoor environments, secure storage and controlled access are practical first lines of defense. The list below outlines the core steps.
- Store chargers in lockable drawers, cabinets, or a small safe when not in use.
- Label chargers with your name and contact information and keep a simple inventory (model, serial number, color).
- Use cable management and locking power strips to deter casual removal of multiple cables at once.
- Keep charging areas in a secure, well-lit space and, if possible, monitor them with cameras or alarms.
- Consider a dedicated charging station or lockable cabinet in shared spaces (office break rooms, dorm lounges).
Secure storage, clear labeling, and monitored charging areas reduce opportunities for theft and make recovery easier if something goes missing.
Prevent Theft in Public Spaces and While Traveling
Behavioral measures and deterrents
Public venues require different tactics. The following practices help in gyms, libraries, cafes, airports, and hotels.
- Never leave chargers unattended; whenever possible, bring your own power bank as an alternative.
- Keep cables and adapters attached to your device or stored in a zipped bag when not actively charging.
- Use protective cases and small cable organizers to make grabbing a charger harder and more noticeable if attempted.
- If you must use a public charging station, stay nearby and unplug as soon as your device is charged.
- Consider a compact anti-theft option (e.g., a small locking dock or cable lock) for venues that offer supervised charging stations.
- Tag or mark your charger and bag with a visible identifier so it’s easier to reclaim.
Public-space vigilance combined with small physical deterrents and smart usage habits can significantly reduce theft risk and improve recovery chances.
Travel and In-Car Security
On-the-go protection and storage
Travel introduces unique risks. Apply these practical steps to protect chargers on the road, in transit, and during stays away from home.
- Avoid leaving chargers in plain sight in cars; store them in a trunk, glove compartment, or inside a locked bag when possible.
- Carry chargers in your carry-on luggage rather than checked bags to reduce loss risk at airports.
- Use a high-quality portable power bank for on-the-go charging instead of relying solely on wall chargers away from home.
- When staying in accommodations, keep chargers in a locked bag or in a room safe if available.
- Choose luggage with discreet pockets or locking zippers to deter opportunistic grab-and-go theft.
Smart travel habits—keeping devices and accessories with you, using power banks, and securing luggage—greatly reduce theft risk while away from home.
Tracking, Insurance, and Recovery Tools
Tracking devices and documentation
Tech-enabled options can aid in recovery if the worst happens, though they should complement solid physical security, not replace it.
- Attach discreet trackers to chargers or their cases (e.g., Apple AirTag, Tile, Samsung Galaxy SmartTag) and ensure compatibility with your ecosystem for location tracking.
- Register serial numbers, purchase receipts, and model details with your insurer or employer to support faster claims.
- Label items clearly with owner contact information and consider asset tags that help identify ownership.
- Be mindful of privacy and local laws when using trackers in shared spaces; follow venue guidelines and disable trackers if you’re not the rightful owner.
Trackers can aid recovery and deter theft, especially when paired with secure storage and good record-keeping. Insurance can provide financial recourse if a charger is stolen and documented properly.
Best Practices and Quick Wins
Simple habits that matter
Adopt these easy practices now to strengthen your overall protection against charger theft.
- Make charging a routine that happens in secure spaces rather than in transit or public areas.
- Carry a compact lockable pouch or zip bag for chargers during travel or in shared spaces.
- Choose chargers and accessories with unique identifiers (color, label, or tagging) to distinguish them from others.
- If you manage a shared workspace or facility, implement a clear policy for secure charging areas and staff oversight.
Small, consistent habits create a robust, layered defense against theft in daily life and shared environments.
Summary
Preventing charger theft hinges on security-by-design: secure storage and access control at home and work, vigilant behavior in public and travel contexts, practical tracking and documentation, and simple, repeatable habits. By combining these strategies, you reduce theft opportunities and improve your chances of recovery if a charger does go missing.
Is it safe to put tape on a charger?
Using tape to fix a charger cord can cause more harm than good. Not only can it create a fire hazard if the wires are exposed, but adhesive residue can attract dust and debris, potentially damaging the cord further. Moreover, tape does not provide any strain relief to prevent future damage.
How to keep kids from stealing chargers?
Comments Section It's a matter of respect and convenience. Get them to gather all the chargers and then distribute them so each person has theirs. You can label them, if you want to go the extra step. Teach them not to take without asking, and to return them if you've borrowed.
How likely is a Dodge charger to get stolen?
The Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is the most frequently stolen vehicle in the US, with models from 2020-2022 being 60 times more likely to be stolen than the average vehicle from the same years. This is due to the power of its engine and the car's overall performance, which has made it a top target for thieves for years, according to Trusted Choice, Kelley Blue Book, and Business Insider.
- SRT Hellcat models: The 2020-2022 Charger SRT Hellcat has a theft rate of 25 claims per 1,000 insured vehicles, a significant increase from previous years, notes CBS News and MoparInsiders.
- Long-standing target: Both the Charger and its cousin, the Challenger, have consistently ranked among the top five most-stolen vehicles since 2011, says Kelley Blue Book and MoparInsiders.
- Factors: The increased theft rate for SRT Hellcat models is linked to their high-performance engines and the popularity of the widebody design introduced in 2020, says Business Insider and this YouTube video.
- Overall: While specific high-performance models like the Hellcat have the highest theft rates, the Dodge Charger as a whole has a higher overall theft rate than many other vehicles, ranking 8th on a list of most-stolen cars with a rate of 38 per 10,000 sold, reports Trusted Choice.
How do I make sure that nobody can steal energy from my charger?
One of the most direct ways to protect your EV charger from theft is by installing a dedicated EV charger lock. These locks are designed specifically for electric vehicle charging stations and can prevent unauthorized access to the charger itself. Options include: Cable Locks: Secure charging cables to fixed points.
