Off The Record: Stay Safe and Aware

Have you heard about the recent online stories causing concern? Women are finding random water bottles on their cars or strange markings outside their homes. Viral videos suggest these may be tactics used by kidnappers and traffickers targeting women. The code “1F” is believed to mean “one female,” with the water bottle acting as bait to lure women out of their cars.

One video shows a woman filming a car in a parking lot with a wire attached to the door handle, captioned, “WTF is this a joke? Someone better not get kidnapped.” Surprisingly, a second vehicle with a similar wire is also shown.

In response to these alarming videos, a man posted a TikTok video explaining that zip-ties, wires, or threads on car doors are common tactics used by those attempting to abduct women. He calls it “one of the oldest tricks in the book,” as the wire makes it harder to remove quickly, giving kidnappers an opportunity to strike.

However, it’s important to keep things in perspective. The “wire trick” was first mentioned in a Facebook post in 2015. Canadian police, where the post originated, confirmed that no kidnappings had occurred as a result of this tactic. Organizations fighting against human trafficking have also not recognized the “wire trick” as a trend.

The director of the University of Toledo’s Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute dismissed these social media warnings as “ridiculous,” believing they are urban legends or scare tactics. Authorities emphasize that traffickers primarily operate online and target individuals they know, rather than strangers.

While it’s crucial to stay cautious and aware of our surroundings, it’s equally important not to let fear take over. Stay informed, trust your instincts, and seek help when needed. Together, we can create a safer community for everyone.