80 Teslas damaged at Hamilton dealership, largest car vandalism reported in Canada against the U.S. company

Dozens of vehicles have been damaged at a Tesla dealership on the Hamilton Mountain, police in the Ontario city said.

It's believed to be the largest vandalism in Canada against vehicles from the U.S.-based car company. 

In a news release Thursday, Hamilton Police Service said officers were called to the dealership near Lime Ridge Mall on Wednesday and "discovered upwards of 80 Tesla vehicles" parked outdoors were damaged. 

The damage included "deep scratches and punctured tires."

In Canadian and U.S. cities, Tesla vehicles and dealerships have been targeted by vandals since U.S. President Donald Trump appointed Tesla CEO Elon Musk to oversee the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has been slashing government spending and programs.

In London, Ont., police are investigating a suspicious fire at a local parking lot where a 2025 four-door Tesla Model S was on fire. No injuries were reported, but London police estimated damage costs of $140,000.

On Wednesday, Montreal police arrested two activists for spray painting the outside of a Tesla dealership. A climate group claimed responsibility and called on Canada to "stand up" to Musk, who they said is "destroying democracies and spreading climate denial."

A Vancouver auto show removed Teslas from its event this week, citing safety concerns.

• This Sunday, Cross Country Checkup is asking: Whether you own a Tesla or not … what's your reaction to all the backlash? Leave your comment here and we may read it or call you back for our show.

Hamilton police are investigating the dealership incident as "a series of mischiefs" and said they're reviewing CCTV footage and asking the public for assistance.

CBC Hamilton reached out to Tesla for comment but has not heard back.