There are plenty of things in life that give us a scare—things like creepy noises at night, losing your phone, or realizing you left the oven on. But high on that list for a lot of people is the fear of having their car stolen. It’s not just about losing a valuable possession—it’s the unsettling feeling that someone targeted you. And just when you think you’ve seen every trick in the car thief’s handbook, from pennies jammed in door handles to high-tech key fob hacks, another tactic pops up. This time, it involves something so ordinary, it almost sounds like a joke: a plastic water bottle. That’s right—a simple bottle stuck between your car’s wheel and fender might actually be a warning sign that someone’s trying to steal your ride.

So, here’s how this trick works. Some thieves have come up with a sneaky method using nothing more than an empty plastic bottle. They wedge it between the tire and the wheel well—most commonly on the front passenger side. Why that spot? Because when you approach your car from the driver’s side, you’re less likely to notice anything unusual over there. The hope is that you won’t see the bottle before you get in and start the car. As you pull away, the bottle gets crushed, making a loud, unsettling crunching or crackling noise. Naturally, this sound gets your attention. You might think you’ve run over something important—or worse, that your car is suddenly having a mechanical issue.

That’s when most drivers do exactly what the thief is counting on—they hit the brakes and hop out to check what’s going on. And in that very moment, your car is vulnerable. The engine’s running, the door may still be open, and you’ve likely left your keys in the ignition. This creates the perfect opportunity for a thief to jump into the driver’s seat and take off. Even if they don’t steal the car itself, they might grab your phone, your bag, or anything valuable sitting on the seat or in the cup holder. Either way, you’re left stunned—and it all started with an innocent-looking bottle.

I know—it sounds like something straight out of a crime drama or a TikTok “did you know?” video. But this tactic has been used in real life, and while it may not be widespread, it’s smart to stay ahead of these types of tricks. Criminals are constantly thinking of new ways to catch us off guard, and the more aware we are, the better prepared we can be.

So, what should you do if you notice a plastic bottle on or near your tire? First and foremost, stay calm and don’t panic. Resist the impulse to jump out immediately—especially if you’re in an unfamiliar or dimly lit area. Take a quick look around and see if anything else seems suspicious. If it feels safe, exit the car cautiously while staying close to the door. Remove the bottle without straying too far from your vehicle, and always be mindful of your surroundings. If you feel uneasy, drive to a well-lit, populated area or call a friend, security guard, or even the police for help.

This is also a great reminder of a few basic safety habits. Always lock your car—even if you’re only stepping away for a moment. Don’t leave your keys inside. And keep your valuables out of plain sight. Leaving a purse, laptop, or phone on the seat is like sending an open invitation to thieves. Even something as small as loose change can be tempting to someone looking for a quick grab. My grandma used to say, “If it’s not nailed down, someone might try to take it,” and that advice still rings true.

Also, don’t keep this information to yourself. Share it with your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers. The more people who know about this trick, the less effective it becomes. One of the best ways to stop thieves is by spreading awareness. Criminals rely on us being unaware, distracted, or too trusting. But when we’re alert and informed, their tactics lose power.

In a world filled with constant distractions, it’s easy to overlook the little things. But sometimes, it’s those small things—like a plastic bottle by your tire—that deserve a second look. So, next time you approach your car and spot something odd, remember this story. It could be nothing. Or, it could be a subtle warning that someone’s been scoping out your vehicle. Stay sharp, trust your instincts, and above all, stay safe out there.