Police in St. Thomas are advising drivers to check that their tires are fastened properly before hitting the road after an incident Tuesday that may be linked to a new, dangerous social media challenge.
A St. Thomas man was pulling into the parking lot of his workplace Tuesday morning when his rear passenger tire popped off. It was discovered that the lug nuts from the tire had been removed, St. Thomas police said.
No one was hurt, but police are concerned the removal of the lug nuts may have been inspired by an "irresponsible and dangerous social media trend" where people film themselves stealing the tire securing item.
The man had been parked for a short time Monday night at a shopping plaza at 1063 Talbot Street, which is where the lug nuts might have been removed. Police are urging anyone who parked in that lot to check their tires as a precaution.
This is the second time in two weeks police in southwestern Ontario have issued warnings about social media challenges.
Norfolk OPP posted a video last week that showed three young men in hoodies kicking in the door to a home in Port Dover. The video from a surveillance camera on the home shows the males recording themselves as they proceed with the stunt. Police noted challenges such as these cause damage and scare residents.
