If You See a Plastic Bottle on Your Tire, Pay Close Attention

Life today is full of challenges — from the rising cost of living to the constant demands of work. But no matter how busy we are, personal safety must always come first, especially in situations where hesitation could lead to serious consequences.

One such situation involves a plastic bottle wedged between your car’s tire and frame. If you ever see this on your vehicle, stay alert and act quickly. This isn’t a harmless prank — it could be a sign of a carjacking attempt. In such a case, call 911 immediately.

What’s the Scam?

Criminals are becoming increasingly creative, and one disturbing trend is making headlines globally. This method, originally reported in Limpopo, South Africa, has since been seen in other parts of the world, including the U.S.

Here’s how the tactic works:

• A thief targets a parked car and places an empty plastic bottle on one of its wheels — typically the front passenger-side tire.

• The bottle is hidden from the driver’s view, but once the vehicle starts moving, the crackling noise alerts the driver that something’s wrong.

• Naturally, the driver pulls over and exits the vehicle to investigate the sound.

That’s when the thief makes their move.

What Happens Next?

There are two potential outcomes:

• The carjacker jumps into the running vehicle and drives away.

• The thief grabs valuables left inside — like wallets, phones, or bags — while the driver is distracted.

In both cases, stepping out of the car without knowing the situation puts the driver at serious risk.

What You Should Do

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