A brand new Lamborghini Urus, priced from Rs 4.5 crore onwards, has fallen victim to an act of vandalism, leaving car enthusiasts shocked and dismayed. The incident came to light after images of the damaged SUV surfaced on Reddit, where the owner of the vehicle reportedly sought paint correction services. Unfortunately, the severity of the scratches has rendered paint correction insufficient, leaving a full-body repaint as the only viable solution.
Keyed All Over, Including Headlights
The high-performance luxury SUV, which still had plastic wrapping on its seats, indicating its pristine condition, was scratched extensively across the front, sides, rear, and even its headlights. The Reddit user who shared the images commented, “Somebody keyed this beautiful machine. Came in for some paint correction a few days back, but unfortunately, that won’t be enough to fix the damage. I feel terrible for the owner.”
Some users shared anecdotes of similar incidents in their communities, citing toxic behaviour, jealousy, and a lack of moral values as contributing factors. One commenter shared, “In my society, if two families are not on good terms, the kid from one family often damages the cars of the other. There are many instances caught on CCTV where kids are damaging vehicles.” Others pointed out that such incidents are a reflection of deeper societal problems, including economic disparities and rising unemployment, which breed envy and resentment.
How to Protect Your Car From Vandalism and Scratches
Owning a car, especially a high-value luxury vehicle, is a source of pride, but it can also attract unwanted attention. Acts of vandalism, such as keying, are distressingly common and can leave significant damage that is costly to repair. While no solution guarantees complete protection, there are several effective steps car owners can take to minimize the risk of such incidents.
Park Smartly – Choose Secure Locations: Always park in well-lit, secure areas. Parking spots equipped with CCTV cameras act as a deterrent for potential vandals. If possible, park your car in gated or monitored areas, such as your home garage or a secured parking facility. Avoid parking in desolate or less frequented areas where your car is more vulnerable to malicious acts.
Invest in Protective Coatings – Paint Protection Film (PPF): PPF adds a layer of protection to your car’s paint, making it resistant to minor scratches and chips. While it won’t prevent deep key marks entirely, it can reduce the impact of less severe damage. Ceramic Coating: This enhances the hardness of the car’s paint, making it more resistant to environmental factors. Though it doesn’t protect against deliberate scratches, it adds a layer of durability.
Install Dash Cams With 360-Degree Surveillance – Many modern dash cams come with 360-degree recording capabilities and motion sensors. These devices start recording when they detect movement around the car, which can act as both a deterrent and evidence in case of vandalism. Some models send real-time alerts to your smartphone if suspicious activity is detected.
Use Car Covers – A simple car cover can be an effective way to protect your vehicle from random acts of vandalism. While it won’t stop determined offenders, it adds an extra step for them, which may discourage their actions.
Employ Parking Sensors or Proximity Alarm – Advanced proximity alarms can detect when someone is too close to the car and sound a loud alarm, which can deter vandals from proceeding with their actions.
Install Vehicle Surveillance System – Some vehicles, like Tesla, come with built-in surveillance systems (e.g., Sentry Mode) that actively monitor surroundings and capture footage of potential threats. Third-party systems can be installed in other vehicles for similar functionality.
Secure Insurance Coverage – Ensure your car insurance policy covers acts of vandalism. Comprehensive insurance plans often include coverage for such damages, which can help offset repair costs.
Practice Situational Awareness – Always be aware of your surroundings when parking your car. If you notice suspicious behaviour, avoid leaving your vehicle unattended or choose an alternative spot.
The Bottom Line – While there is no foolproof way to prevent vandalism, these measures can significantly reduce the risk of your car being targeted. Combining protective technologies, smart parking practices, and vigilance can go a long way in ensuring your prized possession remains safe.
