So I Caught Someone Keying My Tesla at a Shopping Center, and I’m Hoping Sentry Mode Can Track Him Down

You know that sinking feeling when you see something bad happens and there's nothing you can do to help? That’s exactly what I felt when I came across a post in the “Tesla Owners Australia” group on Facebook this evening. Ashley Higgins shared footage from her Tesla's Sentry Mode showing a man casually walking past her Tesla at a shopping center in Australia and dragging a key across the side without hesitation. Despite having a clear video of the act, Ashley still doesn’t have a name, a full license plate, or any real leads. Just a deep sense of frustration and hope that someone will recognize him. Here's how she put it: 

"Make sure you're keeping your Sentry Mode on. Here’s a random keying of my car. This was done at Milleara Shopping Centre in Keilor East, Melbourne. A police report has been done but no update since the report. Regrettably, I cannot see a full license plate on his registration. He apparently is a regular at the Dominoes he purchased the drink from, but they didn't have any full information about him. The workers said they would try to get a name/number/rego next time he came in. It has been posted to the local Facebook page, but no extra information on the offender."

Here's also the picture of him trying to open the door first: 

The Strange Superpower and Frustration of Sentry Mode

There’s something strange about watching someone vandalize your car in total silence. There was no shouting, no confrontation, just quiet damage. That’s what makes Sentry Mode so powerful, but at the same time, so frustrating. It gives you the ability to witness the exact moment your property is violated but it can’t chase the guy down or give you his name. In Ashley’s case, the man didn’t even hesitate. One smooth motion and her car was left with a deep scar while he walked away as if nothing happened.

This isn’t just about one act of vandalism but also about the unpredictable situations that EV owners are constantly aware of. Parking decisions feel more strategic now. Is this a safe place? Will the cameras catch enough? What if I forget to turn Sentry Mode on? These thoughts loop in the background for a lot of Tesla owners. It’s both a technological edge and a psychological burden.

It’s hard to imagine how violating and helpless it must feel to watch someone intentionally damage your property and walk away without consequence. What stands out in Ashley’s case is how sudden and senseless the act was. The footage reveals no confrontation, no prior interaction. It's just a man with a drink in one hand and a key in the other, deciding on the fly to leave a permanent mark on someone else’s vehicle. 

A Wider Pattern of Vandalism

It’s worth asking if part of this tension around Teslas today is no longer just about the cars themselves but about who people think drive them. Elon Musk, Tesla’s outspoken CEO, has recently increasingly become a significant figure to say the least, and his growing political alignment, including public support for current U.S. President Donald Trump, has placed Tesla in the middle of culture wars in ways that no car company ever expected.

While most owners like Ashley are just people who love technology or want to drive electric, some vandals may see the Tesla badge as a symbol of wealth, tech elitism, or even political ideology. This is especially true when you consider how visible Tesla ownership has become in public discussions. Take for instance a widely shared story about a father helping his son buy a Model 3 from Hertz, a deal that was praised for being shockingly affordable, yet sparked heated opinions about Tesla's resale ecosystem and brand image. That doesn’t excuse this kind of behavior, but it does give us insight into how a simple act of vandalism might not be so simple after all. Ashley isn’t the only one dealing with this sort of thing though as vandalism against Teslas is becoming more common.

Whether it stems from resentment, misinformation, or just pure malice, incidents like these aren’t isolated. In a similar widely discussed story I recently wrote about, a Tesla owner shared their frustration after their brand new Model 3 was vandalized just three days after taking delivery, prompting them to question whether they were being specifically targeted due to the car they drive.

When a Thread Feels Like a Neighborhood Watch

Many commented beneath Ashley's post, painting a shared story of dismay and unwanted familiarity with acts of random property damage.

Gareth Walsh captured the collective sentiment with a comment that felt less like a rant and more like a shared truth:

"It’s just another car, something someone worked hard to buy or is paying off. Some of us look after our property and even take pride in it. To have someone intentionally damage someone’s property like that, for whatever illogical reasons, it’s just so disheartening. I wish some people would just get a life and stop worrying about things that don’t concern them."

That last line hits especially hard. Because really, why do people do this? Is there really something to gain? Whether it's jealousy or ideology, it doesn't justify this crime.

Others chimed in with their own experiences, and Brett Adams offered a frustrating yet informative perspective:

"Same thing happened to me but I had less than 100 km range, so Sentry Mode was disabled."

That comment serves as an important reminder: even with all of Tesla’s cutting-edge technology, features like Sentry Mode still rely on charge levels to function. And sadly, they can be rendered useless by a low battery right when you need them most.

In Ashley’s case, she had Sentry Mode enabled, and that made the difference. As Jonathan Curro pointed out with a touch of sarcasm:

"I love the moment he tries to open the door, activating Sentry and thus recording probably the clearest image of his face. Hyper Intelligence at work."

That moment where the vandal unintentionally triggers a clearer recording of himself almost feels poetic. A form of instant deserved response, even if justice hasn’t yet caught up.

Dan PT added something even more universally true:

"Tesla or not, no one has the right to interfere with other’s property for the wrong reasons."

This issue transcends car brands or models. It’s about basic decency. You don’t have to love Teslas or agree with EV culture to understand that malicious damage is inexcusable. While that may sound redundant to some as it's a no brainer, I guess it really might not be as common sense as we think it is if stuff like this happens frequently.

Another commenter, Wayne Stoneman, dropped a bit of practical advice for anyone relying on Sentry Mode:

"Always best to park forward into the parking spot so the camera has a better chance of getting a number plate."

This small detail could be the deciding factor in whether or not an offender is caught. Parking orientation might sound trivial until you’re dealing with law enforcement and blurry partial plates.

Driving Through a Cultural Battlefield

Sometimes the decision to leave Tesla behind isn't even about vandalism itself but the emotional toll of owning something that’s become such a public flashpoint. In fact, one former owner described how they were finally able to breathe after switching vehicles, saying they were so happy to be rid of their Tesla Model Y. This is a sentiment that captures just how heavy the emotional baggage of Tesla ownership can sometimes feel for some. 

Stories like Ashley’s highlight the strange space that Tesla owners occupy today. On one hand they enjoy innovative tech, environmental benefits, and a fun driving experience. On the other, they sadly sometimes become unwilling lightning rods for negative attention. Some owners have even considered leaving Tesla behind due to the harassment and stigma that can come with it as explored in this personal account of switching to an Ioniq 6.

And yet, there are plenty of owners who continue to stand by Tesla through it all. Whether it's the product, the mission, or something harder to define, there's a clear emotional connection that keeps many drivers loyal. I recently wrote about what drives that unwavering loyalty in Tesla owners, so you can see the answer for yourself there.

What Watching This Unfold Tells Me

As a young automotive journalist, what strikes me most about this story isn’t just the act of vandalism but also the way this community responds. There’s a certain resilience in the comments and it’s not just a Tesla thing. It’s about people looking out for one another, trading advice, sharing stories, and doing what they can to make sure one person’s senseless action doesn’t go unanswered.

It shows the power of collective awareness, and the subtle but crucial role that tools like Sentry Mode, local Facebook pages, and even casual worker conversations at Domino’s can play in building a case. We’re witnessing a shift in how we interact with our vehicles. They're no longer just tools to get us from point A to B, they’ve become smart, silent observers. They're equipped to record, report, and even defend us in ways we never expected. That changes the entire dynamic of car ownership. It’s not just about driving anymore as it’s about awareness, accountability, and a community ready to rally around the truth.

Key Takeaways for Every Tesla Owner

The deeper issue behind these stories sometimes comes back to cost, both financial and emotional. Owners facing repeat vandalism or insurance complications may find themselves stuck in a frustrating cycle. Cybertruck owners are already reporting sudden spikes in insurance premiums, which raises new concerns about affordability and risk.

• Always enable Sentry Mode when possible, and ensure your battery has enough charge to support it. Even a few minutes of footage can be the difference between justice and frustration.
• Be mindful of how and where you park. Parking forward and in well-lit, busy areas increases the chance of a clear plate capture.
• Local networks matter. Whether it's a community Facebook group or a helpful employee at a nearby business, people around you can be instrumental in solving a case.
• EV owners aren’t imagining things. Vandalism and hostility toward electric vehicles is a real reality that occurs every day. Sharing these stories helps raise awareness.
• Technology is your ally. In an age where even a petty act can cost thousands in repairs, cameras and alert systems are no longer optional extras, they’re essential tools.

What Do You Think About This?

Have you ever experienced an incident like this or seen someone damage a car on purpose? If not, do you know anyone who encountered this kind of problem?

And for Tesla owners, has your Sentry Mode helped you solve a similar situation? 

I would love to hear your story and what you’ve learned, so don't hesitate to share your thoughts in the comments below.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars. 

Image Sources: Tesla Gallery and the "Tesla Owners Australia" public Facebook group.