You walk back to your car in a parking lot and notice something odd: a penny wedged tightly into the passenger-side door handle. At first, it might seem like a harmless prank — but in reality, it could be a warning sign of a potential theft attempt.
The Penny-in-the-Door Trick
Criminals have been known to use this simple method to target cars. Here’s how it works:
- The Setup
A thief places a coin (often a penny) into the gap of a car door handle, typically on the passenger side where the driver is less likely to notice. - The Trap
When you return and unlock your car, you might only unlock the driver’s side door. The jammed coin keeps the other doors from properly securing. - The Opportunity
Once you drive away or leave your vehicle unattended, thieves can easily access the unlocked passenger doors and steal valuables.
