If You See A Plastic Bottle On Your Tire, Be Warned

In today’s complex modern life, where bills and responsibilities pile up, it’s easy to overlook one more thing. However, there’s a crucial message for your safety that you must heed. Ignoring it could have grave consequences. If you ever spot a plastic bottle wedged between your tire and car frame, take immediate action and call 911.

A new and effective trick has emerged among carjackers to steal vehicles. If you come across a water bottle placed on your tire, be aware that a potential thief is lurking nearby, observing you and eyeing your car. While this trick initially surfaced in Limpopo, South Africa, it has rapidly spread worldwide and is now being employed with success in the United States.

Here’s how the scheme unfolds: when a carjacker targets a vehicle, they place a water bottle against one of the wheels as a “marker.” Specifically, they position it on the front passenger side wheel to ensure the driver doesn’t notice it upon entering the car.

As the driver starts moving, the empty plastic bottle creates crackling sounds, causing concern and prompting most drivers to stop and investigate what they ran over. This is when the carjacker strikes. If the driver foolishly leaves the keys in the car while it’s running, the thief can simply get in and drive away, leaving the owner stranded and embarrassed. Alternatively, the thief may seize the opportunity to snatch valuables, such as wallets or cellphones, left behind by the unsuspecting driver. The moment the driver steps out of the car to inspect the noise, they put themselves at risk.

Before getting into your car, take a few seconds to inspect the wheels. Check if anything seems out of order. Should you discover a water bottle jammed between the tire and the car frame, be on high alert. The potential thief may be watching you. Quietly dial 911 on your phone and inform the police about the situation, expressing your concern for your safety. Provide them with your location and details about your vehicle.

Stay vigilant and stay safe in an increasingly complex world.