A man named Sebastian, who goes by @sebby.tv on TikTok, has shared a video detailing a series of unconventional methods he claims to use to prevent his car from being broken into in Los Angeles. The video shows him demonstrating each step, explaining that he adopted the routine after his vehicle was targeted numerous times.
In the clip, Sebastian begins by showing a handwritten note taped to his car window. The note reads, “Please Don’t Break Window I left $2 inside.” He explains that he always leaves this sign and actually places the money on his dashboard. “I keep the doors unlocked, and yes, I actually do leave the money inside,” he states in the video. He justifies this by saying, “It’s a small price to pay since replacing a window is like $500.”
He then displays a small white camera, resembling a home security camera, which he places on his dashboard. Sebastian notes that while the camera “is not actually connected to anything,” he makes it “look like it is” to deter potential thieves. The video also shows him holding a long sock-like object that he empties to reveal it is filled with small rocks. He hangs this sock from his rearview mirror, stating, “I believe this actually stops a lot of people from breaking in because it just looks weird.”
Creator says his car has not been broken into since adopting the routine
The video continues with Sebastian sprinkling a pile of white salt under one of his car’s tires. He describes this as a superstition, saying, “I also place salt under the tires, which helps deter negative energy.” Finally, he opens his car’s trunk, which appears empty except for a single sponge. He states he never leaves valuables inside, but adds, “if the thief decides to get greedy and check what’s inside the trunk, there’s gonna be a sponge in there.”
Sebastian concludes the video by explaining his motivation. “In LA, your car is literally never safe,” he says. He claims that “ever since I started doing this, my car has not been broken into.” He acknowledges the methods may seem unusual, stating, “I know it looks like funny, it looks goofy, but it works.”
The video’s public caption adds context, reading, “It seems a bit excessive but after having my car broken into 20+ times I’m willing to do anything.” The footage shows Sebastian demonstrating each of these steps in and around his vehicle.
The TikTok video has attracted a variety of reactions from viewers in its comment section. One commenter wrote, “Just pay some etsy witch for protection 😭.” Another offered a more straightforward suggestion, simply stating, “Just lock it.” A third viewer focused on the rock-filled sock, commenting, “i’m crying the sock is definitely off putting.”
Other comments highlighted cultural differences or questioned the approach. One person noted, “im too european for this.” Another suggested an alternative solution, writing, “U got insurance that pays for break ins bro.” A final comment proposed a different kind of deterrent, advising, “Just drive a manual.”
