The Distraction: Alarmed, you pull over and get out to check what’s wrong.
The Theft:
Option A: The thief (or accomplice) jumps into your running car and drives off.
Option B: While you’re distracted, they snatch your purse, phone, or laptop from the seat.
📰 Real cases: In 2023, the Houston Police Department issued a public warning after a spike in carjackings using this exact method. Similar alerts have come from Atlanta, Chicago, and Cape Town.