At first glance, a penny stuck in your car door handle might seem like a harmless prank or an odd coincidence. But if this happened to you, don’t brush it off—it could be part of a dangerous new trick used by thieves to target your vehicle. This suspicious tactic is increasingly being reported in parking lots, and it’s important to understand what it could mean and how to protect yourself.
🪙 The Penny-in-the-Door Trick – A Potential Sign of Trouble
If you found a coin, particularly a penny, wedged into the passenger-side door handle, you may be the target of a car theft or break-in attempt. This method isn’t random—it’s a calculated move used by some criminals to manipulate vehicle entry or mark cars for later theft.
❗ How This Trick Works
The penny trick relies on tampering with the locking mechanism of modern cars. Here’s how thieves may use it:
- They place a coin (usually a penny or nickel) into the passenger-side door handle—an area that the driver typically doesn’t notice.
- When the driver tries to lock the car using the key fob, the mechanism may not fully engage due to the obstruction.
- The driver walks away thinking the car is locked—but it’s actually still unlocked on one side.
- Thieves return later, easily open the door, and either steal valuables or drive away with the car, especially if it’s a keyless entry model.
This trick is particularly effective in busy parking lots like those at malls, supermarkets, or airports, where drivers may be distracted or in a rush.
👀 Why the Passenger Side?
Most people only check the driver’s side door when locking or unlocking their vehicle. Thieves take advantage of this habit by targeting the side you’re less likely to inspect. That’s why they wedge the coin in the passenger side—so it goes unnoticed.
🚨 Other Variations of This Trick
This isn’t the only method thieves use to manipulate cars in public areas. Here are a few others to be aware of:
- Plastic bottles wedged between the tires and wheel wells, causing noise when driving and making you stop, giving thieves a chance to act.
- Threads, zip ties, or stickers on your windshield or door handles to distract or delay you.
- GPS tracking devices placed under cars to follow your movements and locate the vehicle later for theft.
✅ What to Do If You See a Penny or Coin in Your Door Handle
If you find a coin in your door handle, take the following steps immediately:
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