Find a plastic bottle stuck near your car’s tire? It could be an attempt to distract you. Here’s how the alleged trick works and how to protect yourself.
Edited by
Editorial Staff
A plastic bottle stuck near a car’s tire might seem like a simple prank or an object accidentally left behind. However, the practice has circulated on social media and in news reports as a potential distraction technique used by thieves.
The idea is simple: the driver gets into the car, starts the engine, and notices an unusual noise coming from the wheel. Concerned that something may be wrong, the driver gets out to investigate. That moment of distraction could potentially make the person more vulnerable to theft.
How the Bottle-on-the-Wheel Trick Works
The alleged technique involves placing an empty plastic bottle between the tire and the wheel arch, often on the passenger side or in a position that is difficult for the driver to see.
When the vehicle starts moving, the bottle is crushed against the tire, producing an unexpected noise. The driver may then stop and get out to find the source of the sound.
According to reports circulating in recent years, this moment could be exploited by criminals to steal belongings from the vehicle or distract the driver.
Why Distraction Is the Key
