Recently, news outlets have reported a new and devious method thieves are using to steal cars. It’s important for everyone to be informed about this technique to avoid falling victim to it. The method utilizes a simple plastic bottle and a lot of patience from the thieves.
You might wonder how a mere plastic bottle can help in car theft, but the key lies in how it’s used. A video illustrating this method has gone viral, reaching around six million views. While it’s informative and aims to alert car owners, authorities worry that it may unintentionally educate more thieves.
The trick was first reported in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Some individuals from Mexico then recorded a demonstration of how it’s executed. Police are concerned that the video could be doing more harm than good by giving potential criminals ideas.
Here’s how the trick unfolds: a thief chooses a car to target and discreetly places an empty plastic bottle on top of the car’s passenger side tire, fitting it snugly between the tire’s rubber and the wheel well. This setup often goes unnoticed by the car owner.
What happens next is crucial. When the car owner drives off, they hear an unusual noise caused by the bottle being crushed under the tire. Naturally, the driver stops to investigate, often leaving the car unlocked with the keys inside during their check.
This leaves the vehicle vulnerable. The thief then seizes the opportunity to hop into the running car and drive away, leaving the car owner completely bewildered.
This trick is not confined to specific regions like Africa and Mexico. It only needs to be seen or heard about for others to attempt it elsewhere. That’s why it’s crucial for car owners everywhere to stay vigilant.
Whenever you approach your car, it’s wise to inspect it thoroughly before entry. Even more importantly, make a rule never to leave your car unlocked with the keys inside, no matter how close by you are.
By sharing this information, we can potentially save someone from the distress of having their car stolen. Remember to inform your family and friends to help stop these thieves in their tracks.