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

More likely explanations are far less sinister:

âś…Accidental drop
Kids playing, loose change falling from pockets
âś…Kids or teens pranking
A silly joke among friends or siblings
âś…Wind or vibration dislodged it
From someone’s pocket while sitting nearby
âś…Old habit
Some people used pennies to mark rental cars or personal vehicles in parking lots

In most cases, a penny in the door is just a quirky coincidence — not a crime in progress.

🛡️ Real Car Theft Risks You Should Know About

While the “penny trick” is likely overblown, real threats do exist — especially for modern vehicles.

1. Relay Theft (Keyless Entry Hacking)

  • Thieves use devices to capture signals from your key fob inside your home
  • They amplify the signal to unlock and start your car — no breaking needed
  • Targets cars with push-button start and proximity keys

âś… Prevention tips:

  • Store your key fob in a signal-blocking pouch (Faraday bag)
  • Keep it away from doors/windows at night
  • Use steering wheel locks or garage storage when possible

2. Sliding Window Break-Ins

  • Criminals use thin tools to slide open slightly open windows or pop door seals
  • Common in older cars or parked in isolated areas

âś… Always double-check windows are fully closed.