Beware the Plastic Bottle Trick: A New Car Theft Scheme Spreading Globally

South African police are raising the alarm about a clever new car theft trick that is swiftly spreading across the globe. "If your car is making a strange noise with no apparent source, just check to see if there's a plastic bottle stuck between your tires," warns an official police announcement. 

This is a sophisticated trick that gained notoriety online after a Mexican YouTube channel issued a 'warning' about criminals attempting to steal car tires and even the cars themselves. While the video cautioned viewers about this dangerous trend, it also inadvertently explained how the method works, leading some to exploit the tactic to steal vehicles. 

Once the driver fails to spot the bottle lodged between the tires, they step out of the car to investigate the issue. This is when the thieves strike: most drivers leave their keys in the ignition, providing the perfect opportunity for thieves to jump in and drive away quickly.