Plastic Bottle Near Car Wheel Warns of Potential Theft

A crushed plastic bottle placed between a car tire and the fender can create a loud noise when the vehicle moves, mimicking a tire puncture. Thieves allegedly use the distraction to tempt drivers to exit the vehicle, leaving the engine running, doors unlocked, and valuables exposed, creating an opportunity to steal bags, phones, wallets or even the car itself.

The method is reported mainly from parking areas of supermarkets, shopping centres and gas stations in Serbia and Croatia. Fact‑checking organisations such as Snopes have found no reliable evidence that the tactic is widely employed, describing it as an unverified viral claim. Nonetheless, safety advice recommends drivers inspect the area around their vehicle, keep the engine off, take the key with them and lock the doors before exiting, especially in poorly lit or isolated spots.