Skip to content 
If You See a Plastic Bottle on Your Tire, Pay Close Attention
- Do NOT get out of your car immediately.
- Lock your doors and stay inside.
- Look around carefully: Check for unfamiliar people loitering nearby.
- Remove the bottle safely:
- If you’re in a safe, well-lit area, roll down your window slightly and use a stick or glove to dislodge it.
- Or, drive slowly to a secure location (like a gas station or police station) before removing it.
- Report it: If you feel uneasy, call local non-emergency police to report suspicious activity.
Myths vs. Reality
- Myth: “It’s just kids playing pranks.”
→ Reality: While possible, repeated reports link this to coordinated theft rings. Better safe than sorry. - Myth: “It’s a flat tire warning from a kind stranger.”
→ Reality: Genuine helpers would tap on your window or approach directly—not leave an object that causes noise.
Stay Alert, Not Afraid
This isn’t meant to scare you—but to empower you with awareness. Most of the time, nothing will happen. But in the rare case it’s a setup, your caution could prevent a serious loss.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
So next time you see a bottle near your tire—pause, assess, and act wisely. Your safety is always worth the extra moment of attention. 
