A completely innocent object is being transformed into a modern theft tool, with robbers taking advantage of a vehicle owner's moment of surprise.

Car thefts are constantly evolving, with gangs abandoning sophisticated electronic techniques and using simple, everyday traps that can fool even the most careful drivers. While many drivers worry about the vulnerabilities of keyless systems, criminals are showing that sometimes the most effective method is the simplest.

Recently, in several European countries, cases have been recorded where thieves use an object that we all have at home or in our cars: a plastic water bottle. Its simplicity is also the greatest weapon of this trick, as most drivers would never pay attention to it, let alone consider it suspicious.

According to reports, the common plastic bottle is used in a simple but very clever way. It is placed between one of the rear wheels and the tire arch. When the inattentive driver starts the car and moves a few meters, the wheel crushes the bottle, creating a very loud noise.

The driver, alarmed by the sound, immediately gets out to check the rear wheel to see what has happened. In his hurry, he usually forgets the keys in the ignition. At that very moment, the robbers who are watching him closely enter the car and take him away, fleeing before his eyes.

Dozens of drivers in Europe have already fallen prey to this scam, so police have raised the alarm and urged citizens to be careful.

Top recommendation: before getting into the car, visually check the area around the wheels and the exterior of the vehicle. If you notice a bottle wedged between the wheel and the arch, notify the police immediately, as thieves are most likely hiding just a few meters away.