Tesla Deploys Sentry Mode to Tackle Growing Vandalism Threat

Tesla boosts showroom security with Sentry Mode amid rising vandalism linked to Musk's political role. Damage reports grow, raising insurance concerns.

Tesla is ramping up security at its showrooms as a growing wave of vandalism continues to target the company’s vehicles. The trend, initially seen across the U.S., has now spread to Canada. In response, the EV maker has enabled Sentry Mode on all display models — turning each vehicle into a surveillance system that uses cameras and sensors to detect threats. When triggered, the system flashes headlights, sounds an alarm, and displays a warning that video recording is underway. It also sends real-time alerts to the owner via the Tesla mobile app.

However, this enhanced security measure has its limitations. Sentry Mode requires the vehicle’s battery to remain above 20% to function, and now that its capabilities are widely known, vandals may find ways to bypass it. Some Tesla owners have called for software updates that would deter vandals before damage is done. In one case, a user on X suggested adding an audio warning when someone gets too close. Elon Musk responded by saying the car could honk — but no such feature has been implemented yet.

Some of the vandalism appears politically motivated, coinciding with Musk’s increasingly visible role in government advisory circles. In August 2024, Donald Trump announced the formation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and publicly named Musk as its head. While the White House later clarified that Musk holds no formal authority, legal and political analysts have noted that he is still seen as the figure leading the initiative.

Incidents of vandalism have now reached Tesla locations beyond U.S. borders. In Hamilton, Ontario, police are investigating a string of vehicle-related offenses at a Tesla dealership, though exact numbers remain unclear. Authorities in various jurisdictions are reportedly on high alert. Observers warn that the visibility of Tesla’s new countermeasures could also encourage more strategic acts of sabotage.

Meanwhile, the company is feeling the financial strain. Tesla’s stock has dropped more than 40% this year — one of the steepest declines in its recent history — and in early March, the number of Teslas traded in reached record highs. Consumer interest has also dipped, with major automotive platforms reporting the lowest engagement with Tesla listings since late 2022.

While some industry voices speculate that increased risk of vandalism could eventually affect insurance premiums, no major insurers have publicly changed their policies. Still, with repair costs for damaged Teslas easily running into the thousands, owners and dealerships alike are calling for more proactive deterrents.

Tesla has faced adversity before — from near-bankruptcy in 2008 to intense production bottlenecks in 2018 — and weathered the storms. But this time, with mounting political scrutiny, shaken investor confidence, and growing operational challenges, the company may be heading into its toughest quarter in years. The rollout of Sentry Mode across showrooms is a step forward — but likely not the final answer.

Source: autoblog.com