Reports from several areas—first noted in South Africa and later in some parts of the United States—describe a low-tech method used to mark or test vehicles that may be easier to approach.
It involves placing an empty plastic bottle near a car’s wheel, often on the front passenger side where it’s least noticeable.
When the driver starts the car and begins to pull away, the bottle can make a loud crackling or popping noise. Surprised, the driver may stop and get out to investigate—leaving the vehicle briefly unattended.
This tactic relies on a person’s instinct to check on strange sounds. If someone exits the car without turning off the engine or securing their belongings, it may give someone nearby a brief opportunity to come closer to the vehicle.
While most drivers will never experience something like this, understanding how distraction-based approaches work can reinforce the value of simple safety habits.
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