Tesla Cybertruck owner recounts how thief exploited auto-lock feature to enter vehicle in Downey, California

A warning for owners of Teslas equipped with the auto-lock feature: Car burglars may be waiting for the opportunity to gain access to your vehicle.

Eddie Villa thought his Cyber Truck had locked automatically, until a thief got in with just a touch. And it was all caught on camera.

“While I was gathering my belongings, I noticed him edging closer to the truck, but I didn’t think much of it,” Villa explained. “I moved away, but he subtly approached and pressed the unlock button, leaving the door open.”

Around 3 p.m., Villa was stopping at the Staples in Downey. He observed some dubious individuals hovering near his truck and accompanying him inside the store. Upon realizing he had left something in his vehicle, he returned and sensed something wasn’t right.

“As I’m heading out, I spot the same guy in the blue shirt walking away from my truck, and then I hear my truck lock, which should have already been secured,” Villa said. “Approaching closer, I peeked inside and noticed the center console was open.”

Eddie saw the man walking away with what he believes were his roughly $600 pair of Louis Vuitton sunglasses. He says he’s thankful they didn’t have time to grab more things, but he wants others who use the autolock feature to be aware.

“Everybody’s been telling me, ‘You should be paying attention to hear it lock when you’re walking away.’ I didn’t. I was thrown off, and I think I just got complacent,” Villa said. “You know, I’m used to just walking away, and the truck locks on its own. So if anything, you know, listen to it lock or manually lock it, one of the two.”

Villa says he has filed a police report with the Downey police.

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