Latest news with #SentryMode
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Yahoo
Brick-wielding woman bashes Tesla as Boston police hunt suspected street menace
The Boston Police Department (BPD) is asking for the public's help in tracking down a woman who is suspected of vandalizing a Tesla with a brick on Sunday night. The incident happened near 10 O Street in South Boston, where the vehicle was parked by the curb. The department released surveillance photos of the woman. Fbi Launches Task Force To Crack Down On Violent Tesla Attacks, Mitigate Threats Police encouraged anyone with information to call Boston Police's District C-6 Detectives or submit a tip anonymously. Teslas around the country have been subjected to vandalism by anti-Elon Musk activists. Musk is heading up the Department of Government Efficiency and working closely with President Donald Trump to eliminate government waste. Read On The Fox News App Recently, a woman caught a man vandalizing her Tesla Cybertruck outside Omni Mountain Resort & Spa in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. The incident was filmed on the vehicle's Sentry Mode video, and the vehicle's owner, Kerry Pouliot, quickly called police. The man was questioned by police at the scene, who say the incident is under investigation. Tesla Vehicles, Charging Stations Targeted As Protesters Denounce Doge, Elon Musk In another instance of vandalism, a man was arrested in West Fargo, North Dakota, over the weekend for allegedly keying a Cybertruck in a Costco parking lot. He, too, was caught on Sentry Mode footage, and arrested shortly thereafter. Police charged him with a felony. At least one Tesla owner is fighting back. A Dallas man whose Tesla Model X was vandalized in the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport parking lot sued the man police allege is responsible for damaging his vehicle. Rafael Hernandez was arrested March 22 on a criminal mischief charge by the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office after he was recorded on Sentry Mode. Elon Musk Torches Democrats For Being 'Real Villains' Of Tesla Vandalism, Blames Left-wing Propaganda The unnamed victim told Fox News Digital that he is suing Hernandez for more than $1 million. He said the accused man's "motives were wrong, and [Hernandez's] acts were intentional — it is for a judge and jury to decide, based on the facts, what his punishment should be. I believe strongly that I was targeted because my car is a Tesla." Four people have been charged at the federal level stemming from firebombings of Tesla facilities and charging stations around the country. Fox News' Preston Mizell contributed to this report. Original article source: Brick-wielding woman bashes Tesla as Boston police hunt suspected street menace
Fox News
03-04-2025
- Fox News
Brick-wielding woman bashes Tesla as Boston police hunt suspected street menace
The Boston Police Department (BPD) is asking for the public's help in tracking down a woman who is suspected of vandalizing a Tesla with a brick on Sunday night. The incident happened near 10 O Street in South Boston, where the vehicle was parked by the curb. The department released surveillance photos of the woman. Police encouraged anyone with information to call Boston Police's District C-6 Detectives or submit a tip anonymously. Teslas around the country have been subjected to vandalism by anti-Elon Musk activists. Musk is heading up the Department of Government Efficiency and working closely with President Donald Trump to eliminate government waste. Recently, a woman caught a man vandalizing her Tesla Cybertruck outside Omni Mountain Resort & Spa in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. The incident was filmed on the vehicle's Sentry Mode video, and the vehicle's owner, Kerry Pouliot, quickly called police. The man was questioned by police at the scene, who say the incident is under investigation. In another instance of vandalism, a man was arrested in West Fargo, North Dakota, over the weekend for allegedly keying a Cybertruck in a Costco parking lot. He, too, was caught on Sentry Mode footage, and arrested shortly thereafter. Police charged him with a felony. At least one Tesla owner is fighting back. A Dallas man whose Tesla Model X was vandalized in the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport parking lot sued the man police allege is responsible for damaging his vehicle. Rafael Hernandez was arrested March 22 on a criminal mischief charge by the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office after he was recorded on Sentry Mode. The unnamed victim told Fox News Digital that he is suing Hernandez for more than $1 million. He said the accused man's "motives were wrong, and [Hernandez's] acts were intentional — it is for a judge and jury to decide, based on the facts, what his punishment should be. I believe strongly that I was targeted because my car is a Tesla." Four people have been charged at the federal level stemming from firebombings of Tesla facilities and charging stations around the country.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Elon Musk Has a Plan to Curb Tesla Store Car Vandals - But There's a Catch
If you've kept up with Tesla news, you've undoubtedly seen the wave of vandalism against both dealership and privately owned cars. Tesla has fought back against recent acts of vandalism toward its inventories by enabling Sentry Mode on all of its showroom vehicles. When active, Sentry mode uses a Tesla's cameras and sensors to monitor its surroundings and detect threats. If triggered, the system initiates several responses, which include pulsing headlights, an alarm, an interior display message noting that cameras may be recording, saving footage to a USB drive if equipped, and sending a mobile app notification. Recent acts of Tesla vandalism appear to be a form of public protest against Elon Musk's work as an advisor to President Trump. Musk confirmed that Tesla has also expanded security around its inventory in addition to enabling Sentry Mode. Reports of Tesla vandalism have also gone international. On Thursday, in Hamilton, Ontario, police stated they were 'investigating a series of mischiefs that occurred at a [Tesla] vehicle dealership' in the city, according to CBS reports. While domestic and international authorities are on high alert for Tesla vandals, Musk's confirmation of Sentry Mode usage and enhanced security in showrooms may give perpetrators an opportunity to strategize on how to evade the new measures, as first noted by CarScoops. There's also the problem of Sentry Mode using significant battery power, and a Tesla must be charged to at least 20% to use the feature. Still, Tesla had to do something, as something like keying a vehicle can cause hundreds or even thousands of dollars in damages, and it's typically more convenient to keep a Tesla charged at a company facility than somewhere in the wild. While Musk announced on X, formerly Twitter, that Sentry Mode would be active on the company's showroom cars, he'll likely have to take more action, as some people are damaging Teslas when the feature is active since they don't know they're being recorded. On March 2, Tesla owner Alexandra Merz posted on X: 'Hey, @Tesla engineers, any way of getting in a software update an alarm to protect from keying the car? The car could tell the criminal before they start that they are being filmed and reported to the authorities.' Musk replied by saying, 'Car could honk at people if you want,' however, Tesla hasn't yet rolled out any new Sentry Mode updates with honking. Inventory vandalism isn't Tesla's only problem. During the first half of March, Teslas made since 2017 represented 1.4% of all vehicle trade-ins, the company's highest-ever figure. Tesla's stock has also declined over 40% this year. Edmunds shoppers also had their lowest interest in the brand in February since October 2022, and the EV maker is on track to have its worst quarter in three years. There's no denying that it's been a tumultuous time at Tesla, but the company has weathered significant storms before, and Musk has proven himself to be highly motivated. Tesla faced near-bankruptcy situations twice: once in 2008 and again between 2017 and 2019. During the latter period's Model 3 ramp-up, Musk famously slept under his factory office's desk for days to show his commitment, saying: 'The reason I slept on the floor was not because I couldn't go across the road and be at a hotel. It was because I wanted my circumstances to be worse than anyone else at the company. Whenever they felt pain, I wanted mine to be worse.'
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla Insurance Rates Could Rise as Anti-Musk-Driven Vandalism Spreads
For years, Tesla has been one of the most expensive car brands to insure, but a new trend may send rates soaring even higher. Increasing incidents of vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles have insurers bracing for a surge in claims, which could mean higher premiums or even outright blacklisting for Tesla owners. Vandalism against Tesla vehicles isn't new. Since the brand's early days, owners have reported incidents of keying, tire slashing, and other damage, often documented by Tesla's own Sentry Mode cameras. However, the situation has escalated dramatically in recent months. The root of the problem? CEO Elon Musk's increasingly polarizing political activities. From controversial social media posts to drastic moves that have impacted thousands of government workers, Musk has become a lightning rod for criticism. Activists who oppose Musk's actions aren't just voicing their concerns online — they're taking it out on his company's cars. Reports from across the U.S. detail Teslas being spray-painted with political messages, having their windows shattered, and even being set on fire. Tesla's unique status as both a tech disruptor and a cultural symbol has made it a target for more than just car enthusiasts. Until recently, Tesla's vehicles were often the target of criticism from conservatives who saw electric vehicles as an unnecessary and even artificially propped-up part of the automotive market. Now, as Musk cements himself as a key figure in President Donald Trump's cabinet, frustration with Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is being taken out on Teslas across the country. Online forums and social media platforms have amplified this sentiment. Viral videos of Tesla vandalism incidents circulate widely, sometimes with individuals justifying their actions as a form of protest. Whether it's defacing a Model Y at a protest site or damaging a Cybertruck in a parking lot, these acts are becoming more frequent and more destructive. When a car is vandalized, owners typically file a comprehensive insurance claim to cover the damage. However, as the frequency and severity of Tesla-related vandalism incidents increase, insurers are reevaluating their risk calculations. 'If vandalism involving Tesla vehicles continues to rise and doesn't go back down, we could see rates rise for comprehensive coverage in the future,' said Matt Brannon, a data journalist at Insurify, in a recent interview with Newsweek. Insurance analyst Shannon Martin echoed this concern, explaining that while vandalism claims don't raise rates as much as collision claims, they still contribute to the overall cost of insuring a vehicle. And for Tesla owners, those costs are already steep. Even before the recent wave of vandalism, Tesla owners were paying premiums comparable to ultra-luxury brands. According to Insurify, the average annual cost of full-coverage insurance for a Tesla Model 3 jumped 30% last year to $4,362 — about $800 more than a comparable Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The Tesla Cybertruck, still new to the market, has an estimated annual insurance cost of $3,813. For context, that means many Tesla owners are paying close to $400 a month just for insurance. That's higher than the monthly payment on a 2025 Nissan Sentra financed over 72 months. If rates continue to climb, the cost of insuring a Tesla could become untenable for many drivers. Additionally, Tesla's proprietary repair process contributes to higher costs. Unlike traditional vehicles, Tesla repairs often require specialized technicians and official Tesla service centers, which can lead to expensive parts and labor costs. This adds another layer of financial burden, making insurance claims more expensive for providers and leading to higher premiums for owners. While rising insurance costs are already a concern, there's an even bigger risk looming: some insurers might stop offering coverage for Teslas altogether. 'As we have learned from the 2023 TikTok theft trend targeting certain model Kias and Hyundais, if these types of losses continue, carriers could refuse to offer coverage for Tesla vehicles altogether,' warned Bankrate's Shannon Martin. This wouldn't be unprecedented. In the wake of the Kia Boys theft saga, several major insurance companies, including Progressive and State Farm, temporarily refused to insure certain Hyundai and Kia models that lacked proper security features. If Tesla vandalism claims continue to surge, insurers may decide the risk isn't worth it, leaving some owners scrambling for coverage. Tesla owners in states like California and New York, where vandalism rates are highest, may be particularly at risk of facing coverage restrictions. For Tesla owners worried about rising insurance costs, options are limited. Some may opt to downgrade their coverage, dropping comprehensive insurance in favor of collision-only policies. However, this strategy carries a significant risk — if a vandalized car isn't covered, the owner will have to pay out-of-pocket for repairs. And for those still financing their vehicles, most lenders require comprehensive coverage as part of the loan agreement. Another option is Tesla's own in-house insurance program, available in select states. Tesla claims to offer competitive rates based on real-time driving data, but whether this program can shield owners from the fallout of increased vandalism claims remains to be seen. Owners can also take preventive measures, such as installing additional security cameras in their garages, parking in well-lit areas, or even using aftermarket protective films to make their cars less vulnerable to keying and graffiti. A growing number of Telsa owners have resorted to plastering stickers over their vehicles, saying things like, 'I Bought This Before We Knew Elon was Crazy!' While these measures won't eliminate the risk, they could reduce the likelihood of severe damage and deter some would-be vandals. The situation Tesla owners find themselves in today is eerily similar to what happened with Hyundai and Kia owners just a couple of years ago. In both cases, vehicle owners are suffering the consequences of circumstances beyond their control — whether it's a security oversight or a CEO's divisive public persona. As long as Musk remains a controversial figure and activists continue to lash out at his brand, Tesla vandalism will likely persist. And as vandalism claims pile up, insurance rates will only climb higher. For Tesla owners, that means the true cost of ownership might be more than they ever anticipated.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Yahoo
3 people face federal charges in Tesla arson attacks in U.S. as 80 more vehicles at Canada dealership are damaged
About 80 Tesla vehicles at a car dealership in Canada were damaged, authorities said, as the U.S. attorney general announced charges Thursday against three people accused of using Molotov cocktails to set fire to Tesla cars and charging stations. On Wednesday, police in Hamilton, Ontario, were called to a dealership on Wentworth Street for a report of damage to vehicles that had been parked outside. The vehicles had deep scratches, punctured tires and other damage, Hamilton police said in a news release. Authorities are reviewing security video and asking the public for help. Similar incidents have happened across several U.S. states in recent weeks. On Thursday, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced charges against three "violent Tesla arsonists" after attacks in Colorado, Oregon and South Carolina. "The days of committing crimes without consequence have ended," Bondi said in a statement. "Let this be a warning: if you join this wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, the Department of Justice will put you behind bars." Bondi referred to "domestic terrorism," but no one has been charged with domestic terrorism, which is not a specific federal crime. One person was accused of being armed with a suppressed AR-15 rifle and throwing eight Molotov cocktails at a Tesla dealership in Salem, Oregon, the Justice Department said in a news release. The person arrested in the Charleston, South Carolina, incident, is alleged to have written wrote "profane messages against President Trump around Tesla charging stations" before using Molotov cocktails to ignite the stations, the news release said. In Loveland, Colorado, a person was arrested and accused of trying to light Tesla vehicles on fire with Molotov cocktails. Bondi vowed that all three will "face the full force of the law." Their names have not been released. They each face charges that carry minimum sentences of five years in prison. On Tuesday, a person armed with a gun and Molotov cocktails set Tesla vehicles on fire at a Tesla Collision Center in Las Vegas. Police said it was a "targeted attack" that damaged at least five vehicles, two of which were engulfed in flames. The attacker "fired three rounds into different Tesla vehicles" and spray-painted the word "RESIST" in all capital letters on the center's door, authorities alleged. Elon Musk, the billionaire Tesla CEO and adviser to President Donald Trump, said Thursday on X that Tesla has increased security and activated Sentry Mode on all vehicles at stores. The safety feature allows enabled vehicles' cameras and sensors to remain powered on and ready to record suspicious activity. This article was originally published on
