An elderly man has been caught on video allegedly keying a Tesla Model Y in Rose Bay, leading to a police investigation and frustration among locals.
The incident occurred just outside the Hotel Rose Bay close to the junction of South Head Road and Dover Road.
Tesla’s Sentry Mode Records the Incident
The act of vandalism reportedly occurred around 9:40 AM last Sunday morning, 22 December 2024. The car owner’s daughter, Deon Tsang, said Tesla’s Sentry Mode alerted her to the damage. The feature, which uses cameras to monitor the car’s surroundings, captured clear footage of a man walking by the car and scratching its side with what appears to be an object, leaving visible damage to the paintwork.
Tesla’s Sentry Mode has proven helpful in catching similar incidents across the state. The built-in system records activity around the vehicle, providing crucial evidence for owners and authorities to investigate.
Social Media Reaction
This guy keyed my dad’s Tesla model y today while we are working at rosebay he is always bullying me every time I wear Rabbitohs clothing and joking and teasing about it and he said why you support aboriginal team??
— Deon Tsang❤️💚 (@deon_tsang12) December 22, 2024
police will find him soon pic.twitter.com/I0elbd9N5H
Ms Tsang explained in the video caption that the man had keyed her father’s Tesla Model Y while they were working in Rose Bay. She also described how he frequently bullies her whenever she wears Rabbitohs clothing, making disparaging comments and questioning her support for the team, which he referred to as an “Aboriginal team.” Ms Tsang has reportedly passed on the alleged offender’s details to New South Wales Police, who have confirmed they are investigating.
This case is one of several recent incidents involving Teslas being targeted, raising questions about why electric cars often seem to attract this kind of vandalism. Some speculate it could be related to misunderstandings or even resentment towards electric vehicles, but no specific motive has been confirmed.
Police Investigation Underway
Officers from the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command are looking into the matter and are expected to rely heavily on the Sentry Mode footage for their investigation. The video evidence will likely play a key role in identifying and potentially prosecuting the suspect.
As Teslas and other electric vehicles become more common, incidents like this highlight the value of advanced security features in modern cars. The footage captured by Sentry Mode has not only helped in individual cases but also raised awareness about the need for respect and responsibility within the community.
While police continue their inquiries, this incident serves as a timely reminder for everyone to stay vigilant and to report suspicious behaviour promptly.
Published 26-Dec-2024