Early Thursday morning, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responded to a report of an attempted auto theft involving a Waymo self-driving vehicle. A man was found seated in the driver’s seat of a Waymo Jaguar electric car, having reportedly entered through the passenger side. While it’s unusual for anyone to be in the driver’s seat of a Waymo vehicle outside of testing situations, the man’s intrusion prompted a swift response from the company’s security measures. According to the *Los Angeles Times*, the man may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Waymo’s autonomous vehicles are designed with robust security features to prevent unauthorized access and operation. These features include a system that prevents overriding the automated driving system, the ability for the car to take evasive maneuvers, audible warnings including horn honking and automated 911 calls, and retractable exterior door handles to hinder entry. When someone does gain access to the driver’s seat, Waymo’s rider support team is immediately notified and attempts to de-escalate the situation. If the individual refuses to leave, as in this case, law enforcement is contacted.
The *Los Angeles Times* reported that, despite providing five million rides, Waymo has only experienced a handful of attempted vehicle thefts. The man who attempted to steal the Waymo Jaguar was ultimately released by the LAPD at the scene. Waymo’s autonomous vehicle service currently operates in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix, with plans for expansion to Austin, Atlanta, and Miami in the near future.