The thought of car theft can be terrifying, not just because of losing your car but the feeling of violation. One sneaky method some thieves use involves placing a plastic bottle on your car’s front passenger side tire.

It’s a tactic to make a cracking sound when you drive off, making you think you ran over something important. When you stop to check, that’s the thief’s chance to either steal your car or grab valuables inside.

To protect yourself, stay aware. If you find a bottle on your tire, don’t immediately get out of the car. Assess the situation first, and if you’re unsure, drive to a safer area or call for help. Always lock your car and keep valuables out of sight. Sharing this info with others can help prevent this trick from working. Stay vigilant and safe!