If You See a Penny in Your Car Door Handle, This is What It Might Mean

Imagine this: you’re walking to your car, keys in hand, ready to head out for the day. But as you approach, something seems off. You try to unlock the door, but your key doesn’t turn. Puzzled, you look around and notice a small, seemingly harmless penny wedged in your car door handle. At first, you might brush it off as an odd coincidence or even a prank, but what if it’s something more sinister?

Could this be part of a larger scheme orchestrated by car thieves?

While there are many urban legends surrounding car theft tactics, some people claim that the penny trick is a real and effective strategy used by criminals to target unsuspecting drivers. Whether it’s a tried-and-true method or just an exaggerated myth, one thing is certain: staying vigilant about your vehicle’s security is always a smart move.

A Clever Car Theft Tool: The Penny Trick
Car thieves are always devising new ways to outsmart security systems, and one of the simplest tricks involves using a common object: a penny or nickel. The idea is to discreetly insert a coin into the passenger side door handle, which can interfere with the locking mechanism. When you attempt to lock your car with a remote key fob, the obstruction prevents the locks from engaging properly. To you, it may seem like your car is locked as usual, but in reality, the passenger door remains slightly open—an open invitation for thieves.