According to the loss statistics for various types of vehicles compiled and published by HLDI,  over one million vehicles were stolen in the US last year alone. Two Dodge muscle cars, the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and Dodge Charger HEMI, once again top the Highway Loss Data Institute’s list of the most-stolen vehicles for model years 2020-22. The all-wheel-drive Tesla Model 3 and Model Y are at the top of the least stolen vehicles list.  

The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) has revealed that the all-wheel-drive versions of the Model 3 and Model Y don't attract thieves. This is an interesting revelation, considering the high value and popularity of these vehicles. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Highway Loss Data Institute also confirms that Teslas, particularly the Model 3 and Model Y, are stolen less than internal-combustion cars. Let’s delve into what makes these Tesla electric vehicles (EVs) so unappealing to car thieves. 

Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y: Unattractive to Thieves

Despite being known for their luxury, advanced technology, and relatively high price tags, Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y have an unexpected advantage - they don't attract the attention of car thieves. It's a revelation worth exploring, especially when you consider that these EVs are designed to enhance your lifestyle, and they don't come cheap.

The Model 3, which is now available with significant discounts, starts at an MSRP of $40,240 for the rear-wheel-drive version. The all-wheel-drive variant with improved range is priced at $47,240, and the high-performance trim, which unlocks more horsepower from the same dual motors as the Long Range version, comes in at $53,240. On the other hand, the Model Y offers two trims: the Long Range at $50,490 and the Performance at $54,490.

Surprisingly, it's not the price that makes these Teslas less attractive to thieves. Rather, it's the security features and technology Tesla packs into its vehicles. Tesla's cars are equipped with numerous cameras and connected features that enable remote operation, but what sets them apart is a surveillance system called Sentry Mode.

Tesla vehicles come with a variety of safety and security features that make them difficult to steal. Here are some of the security features available on Tesla Model 3 and how to use them:

Cabin Camera:

The cabin camera is designed to monitor the interior of the vehicle. It can be used to record video footage in the event of a break-in or other security incident. Tesla uses the cabin camera in the following ways to improve safety:

Driver Inattentiveness: The cabin camera can determine driver inattentiveness and provide audible alerts to remind the driver to keep their eyes on the road when Autopilot is engaged. This feature can help prevent accidents caused by driver distraction.

Dog Mode: The cabin camera is used in Tesla's Dog Mode to ensure that pets are kept safe at all times. The camera can monitor the pet while the owner is away and alert the owner if the pet is in distress.

Theft Prevention: The cabin camera is part of Tesla's advanced security features and can help prevent theft and break-ins. The camera can provide a live feed of the vehicle's interior via the mobile app, allowing the owner to monitor the vehicle remotely.It is worth noting that the information gathered by the cabin camera is not shared with Tesla unless the owner opts in to data sharing. This is a good move on Tesla's part, especially now that consumers are more worried than ever about their privacy and what type of data is being collected from them.

Security Alarm: 

The Tesla Model 3 is equipped with a security alarm system that can be manually enabled or disabled by the owner. The Tesla Model 3 is equipped with a security alarm system that can be manually enabled or disabled by the owner.
When the security alarm is enabled, the vehicle will activate its alarm one minute after the owner exits the vehicle and locks it. The security alarm is designed to sound when the vehicle is tampered with or when an intrusion is detected, providing an additional layer of protection against theft and break-in.

Pin to Drive:

Pin to Drive is a security feature that requires the driver to enter a PIN code before the vehicle can be driven. This feature can be enabled or disabled in the vehicle's settings. This feature adds an extra layer of security to the vehicle and can help prevent theft. 

1. Touch Controls on the touchscreen.
2. Touch Safety.
3. Touch PIN to Drive.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to create a driving PIN.

Once PIN to Drive is enabled, the driver will be prompted to enter the four-digit PIN code before the vehicle can be driven.

Sentry Mode:

The Tesla Model 3 is equipped with a security alarm system that can be manually enabled or disabled by the owner. When the security alarm is enabled, the vehicle will activate its alarm one minute after the owner exits the vehicle and locks it. The security alarm is designed to sound when the vehicle is tampered with or when an intrusion is detected, providing an additional layer of protection against theft and break-ins.

steps to turn on Sentry Mode in a Tesla Model 3:

1. Touch the "Controls" icon on the touchscreen.
2. Touch "Safety."
3. Touch "Sentry Mode."
4. Touch "Enable Sentry Mode."
5. Choose whether to enable "Alarm" or "Alert" mode.
6. Choose whether to enable "Display" or "No Display" mode.
7. Choose whether to enable "Recording" or "No Recording" mode.
8. Choose whether to enable "View Live Camera via Mobile App" or "No View Live Camera via Mobile App" mode.
9. Exit the menu.

Once Sentry Mode is enabled, the vehicle's cameras and sensors will monitor the surrounding area while the vehicle is parked and locked. If a potential threat is detected, the system will activate the alarm or display a warning on the touchscreen, depending on the mode selected. Footage of the event is also saved to a USB drive, and the owner will be notified via the Tesla mobile app if the alarm goes off.

Intrusion Sensors:

Tesla vehicles are equipped with intrusion sensors that can detect motion inside the cabin and sound the alarm if a threat is detected. The intrusion sensors are designed to detect unauthorized movement, such as someone trying to jack up the vehicle or break into it. The tilt/intrusion sensor is also available on some Tesla models and can detect motion inside the cabin or if the vehicle is moved or tilted. If a threat is detected, the security alarm will sound, providing an additional layer of protection against theft and break-ins.

In conclusion, Tesla Model 3 comes with advanced safety and security features that make it difficult to steal. These features include cabin camera, security alarm, Pin to Drive, Sentry Mode, and intrusion sensors. By using these features, Tesla owners can help protect their vehicles from potential threats.