Imagine returning to your broken-down car only to find strangers trying to break into it. Would you confront them, call the police, or just try to scare them off? One Kansas City woman didn't hesitate to make her presence known, and the chaotic encounter that followed was all caught on camera. Woman Confronts Alleged Car Thieves In a video with more than 6,800 views, content creator Bri (@briyawnnaaa) captured a tense encounter with two men she says were attempting to break into her car. Bri explains that her vehicle had broken down on the side of the highway and when she returned to fix it she was surprised to find two men allegedly trying to get into it. The footage shows one man in the driver’s seat of a black car while his companion stands nearby. "You out here taking people's cars?" she shouts at the second man. The man denies the accusation, responding, "No, I'm not taking that." OWNERSHIP STORIES Viral stories from across the web Our team of experts tracks what owners are saying about car-shopping, repairs, the daily driving experience and more on social media. As the confrontation escalates, Bri repeatedly asks if they're trying to steal her car. The situation suddenly takes a dramatic turn when the driver of the black car begins to leave, apparently without waiting for his friend to fully enter the vehicle. "You ‘bout to leave your homie?" Bri asks as she seemingly kicks the passenger side door. The video shows the second man being partially dragged by the black car as it drives away, with only his torso inside the passenger side, before he eventually manages to climb in and close the door. This all takes place beside a highway in broad daylight with cars streaming by. If the men were intent on stealing her vehicle, as Bri believes, it was an extremely brazen attempt. "Our car was broken down on the side of the road on 70 by Turner Diagonal. Came back to fix it and found these tweakers broke into [it]. Scared the [expletive] out of them," Bri writes in the caption. She adds that she managed to get the vehicle's tag number because she suspects that car may be stolen as well. Gallery: Thief Smashes Camaro Z/28 Through Dealership Doors How to Protect Your Vehicle From Theft According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 850,000 motor vehicles were reported stolen in 2024. The NHTSA reports that a vehicle is stolen every 32 seconds in the country. Allstate recommends several steps to help protect your vehicle from theft: Install an audible alarm system and visible anti-theft devices. Add steering wheel locks, window etching, or alarm systems with flashing lights. These visible deterrents may be enough to make a thief avoid your vehicle altogether. Consider a vehicle immobilizer system. These systems use smart keys or kill switches to disable the vehicle and prevent thieves from hotwiring it. Install a tracking system. GPS-enabled tracking systems can help police recover stolen vehicles faster.Park in well-lit, well-trafficked areas. Thieves are less likely to operate where they can easily be seen by passersby. Never leave valuables visible in your car. Keep purses, phones, and other high-value items out of sight or, better yet, don't leave them in the car at all. Beyond these measures, basic precautions can go a long way: always lock your doors, remove your keys from the ignition, never leave your car running unattended, keep windows completely closed, and stay alert to your surroundings when parking. If your key is in the car, a thief can simply break a window and drive off. If you do catch thieves in the act, it’s generally recommended that you do not confront them. Instead, most advise getting a safe distance away and calling the police. And take note that in most states it is typically illegal to use deadly force to protect property. Motor1 reached out to Bri for comment via TikTok direct message. We'll be sure to update this if she responds. We want your opinion! What would you like to see on Motor1.com? Take our 3 minute survey. - The Motor1.com Team
