The Tesla has been known to help stop crime in the past, but a tweet from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) suggests that it also may attract crime too.
LAPD posted on Twitter Tuesday stating that Tesla rims are a “hot commodity” in the Los Angeles Palms and Mar Vista areas, according to CBS Local. The post also included an image of a Tesla Model S with its rims and wheels stolen, as it sits atop a few plastic trays.
“Tesla owners in Palms and Mar Vista area, be aware Tesla rims and tires are a hot commodity in the black market,” the tweet said.
As Tesla tires and rims can cost at least, $5,500 (USD), it would be wise for any Tesla owner to heed the advice of the LAPD, on this one.
Tesla owners in Palms and Mar Vista Area, be aware #Tesla Rims and Tires are a hot commodity in the black market.
** DO ** Activate the #sentrymode and plug a flash drive to record events 🎥🎥🎥 https://t.co/JR7f465BQ2
** Whenever possible, park in well lit public areas. pic.twitter.com/pexeAnMWH0— LAPD Pacific (@LAPDPacific) September 30, 2020
While the tweet only included one such warning, alongside the advice to park in well-lit areas and use a USB with Tesla’s Sentry Mode to record events, it did not convey other reports of the same crime. Still, it isn’t hard to imagine that $6,000 (USD) rims would reap a pretty penny in illicit sales rings.
Though the warning was made specifically for the Mar Vista and Palms areas in LA, it’s probably a safe bet for Tesla owners anywhere to follow these guidelines.
