You’re about to start your car when you notice something odd:
A penny stuck in the door handle — or wedged in the lock.
Your mind races:
“Is this a sign of a break-in attempt? A thief’s trick? Or just a weird coincidence?”
Let’s clear up the confusion.
While viral stories claim that pennies in door handles are a car thief’s signal — or a clever trick to disable locks — the truth is more nuanced.
Let’s explore what a penny in your car door really means, whether it’s a security threat, and what you should do — so you can respond with awareness, not fear.
The Myth: “The Penny Trick” — Do Thieves Use Pennies?
A popular urban legend claims that:
Thieves insert a penny into the door lock to jam it
This prevents the owner from locking the car — making it easier to steal later
Or, they use it as a secret signal to other thieves that the car is unlocked
Sounds sneaky — but in reality, it’s highly unlikely.
Why This Myth Doesn’t Hold Up:
Modern cars use key fobs, not manual locks — jamming a lock is pointless
A penny won’t reliably jam a lock — it’s more likely to fall out
There’s no evidence of organized thief “signaling” systems using coins
Most car break-ins rely on keyless entry hacking, smash-and-grab, or stolen remotes — not low-tech tricks
This story has been debunked by law enforcement and automotive experts.
What a Penny in Your Door Handle Could Actually Mean
While it’s probably not a criminal plot, here are more realistic explanations:
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