A plastic bottle wedged beside a car tire can look alarming, especially after viral posts claimed it was a trick used by thieves. According to the story, the bottle makes a loud crunch when the driver moves, causing them to stop and step outside while a criminal steals belongings or the vehicle.
However, there is little reliable evidence that this is a widespread carjacking method. Police and insurance representatives have previously described circulating warnings about similar tactics as hoaxes or urban legends, while fact-checkers found no proof that criminals commonly use bottles this way.
The bottle may simply be litter that became trapped near the wheel, a prank, or an object placed there accidentally. Still, noticing something unusual around your vehicle should not be ignored.
Before entering, briefly inspect the tires, doors, windows, and surrounding area. Do not drive with an object lodged against the wheel because it could interfere with movement or damage nearby components. When the area appears safe, remove it carefully. If someone is behaving suspiciously nearby, return to the store or another populated place and contact security or police.
There is no need to assume that every bottle signals an attempted crime. The woman in the image may have been offering a genuine warning, but the viral explanation remains unproven.
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