Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
⚠️ How the “Plastic Bottle Scam” Works
This method has been documented by police departments from Johannesburg to Houston—and it follows the same pattern:
The Setup: A thief places an empty plastic bottle (often water or soda) between your tire and wheel well—usually on the front passenger side, where it’s hidden from the driver’s view.
The Trigger: When you start driving, the bottle crackles, rattles, or thumps loudly as the wheel turns—mimicking a mechanical problem.
Continue on the next page:
