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.

Copyright © 2025 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.

You May Also Like

Quentin Tarantino’s luxe Hollywood Hills mansion targeted by burglar

Quentin Tarantino’s Hollywood Hills Mansion Hit by Burglar

A man dressed head-to-toe in black allegedly attempted to break into a…
9/11 first responder struggles with the 'eventual deaths' of his peers

9/11 First Responder Grapples With Deaths of Fellow Heroes

I have not worn a watch since September 11, 2001, when I…
NJ amusement park Clementon Park and Splash World closes, owners seek buyer

Clementon Park and Splash World in New Jersey Closes as Owners Seek Buyer

A cherished New Jersey amusement park with a 119-year history has closed…
Amazon cargo jet pilot reportedly told wife, 'My career is over' shortly after deadly crash

Amazon Cargo Jet Pilot Told Wife His Career Was Over After Fatal Crash, Report Says

Miami-Dade sheriff confirms identities of 5 victims in deadly Amazon plane crash…
Blue-city police chief draws scrutiny after referring to known gun violence suspects as ‘trigger pullers’

Blue-City Police Chief Scrutinized Over Trigger Pullers Label

Seattle’s interim police chief used the phrase “trigger pullers” to describe known…
MS-13 gangster 'The Witch' accidentally released due to prosecutor error

MS-13 Gangster The Witch Accidentally Freed After Prosecutor Error

Federal prosecutors have acknowledged a significant legal mistake that preceded a judge’s…
Flames and smoke rise from an industrial facility in Novy Urengoy, in Russia’s Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug

Ukraine Strikes Russia’s Arctic Gas Hub as Trump Presses Putin

Kushner and Witkoff meet with Russian and Ukrainian presidents Fox News correspondent…
Spanish opposition leader calls prime minister a ‘traitor’ over Ceuta migrant crisis

Spain Opposition Brands PM Traitor in Ceuta Migrant Crisis

A fierce confrontation erupted in Spain’s Parliament after a leading opposition figure…
UCLA 9/11 event under scrutiny for speaker panel

UCLA 9/11 Event Faces Scrutiny Over Controversial Speaker Panel

UCLA is drawing sharp criticism from 9/11 survivors and relatives of those…
Israel’s E1 plan explained: The Jerusalem-area corridor sparking international backlash

Israel’s E1 Settlement Plan Explained: Jerusalem Corridor Drawing Global Backlash

Israel’s decision to move forward with building plans in the strategically sensitive…
The Essex Files: Why the Dallas Convention Must Be About Winning Policy, Not Just Applause

Why the Dallas Convention Must Turn Applause Into Policy Wins

As Republicans converge on Dallas for this week’s first-of-its-kind midterm convention, the…
Charlie Kirk assassination: New UVU president says it will continue to 'host the frays,' embrace free speech

After Charlie Kirk Assassination, New UVU President Vows to Defend Free Speech and Host Tough Debates

PROVO, Utah — One year after Charlie Kirk was assassinated in the…