Here’s how the trick works. When a potential carjacker sees a vehicle they want to steal, they put a water bottle against the wheel to “mark” it. They put the bottle on the front passenger side wheel so the driver won’t spot it when entering
When the driver starts to move the car, the empty plastic bottle crackles and makes all sorts of worrying noise. The first thing that most drivers do is stop the car and jump out to see what they ran over. That’s when the carjacker strikes!
If a driver leaves the keys in the car with the vehicle running, all the thief as to do is get inside the vehicle and drive away.
The owner is left on the curb looking like a fool. The thief could also just use the opportunity to get into the car and steal valuables like a wallet or cellphone that was left behind.
The drive puts himself or herself at risk as soon as they leave the vehicle to examine what created the noise
Next time you’re getting into your car, take a few seconds to check the wheels. Take a look to see if you can see anything out of order. And if you see a water bottle jammed into the space between the tire and the frame of the car – be on alert. The would-be thief might be watching you. Quietly take out your phone and dial 911 and alert the police to what you are experiencing and that you feel you might be under threat.