The Disturbing New Trick Thieves Are Using With Pennies and Your Car (2 of 2)

The thought of it is chilling. Something as ordinary as a penny—a coin we toss into fountains for luck or leave forgotten in our cup holders—turned into a tool of violation. It makes you rethink every casual moment when you assume your car is safe.

So what should you do if you ever spot one? Experts say don’t just brush it off. Check every door, make sure they’re locked manually if necessary, and look around to see if anyone is lingering nearby. If your gut tells you something feels wrong, trust it. Move your car, call security, or even the police. Because that penny isn’t just a prank. It’s a red flag waving right in your face.

And here’s the truly controversial part: some safety advocates believe stores and parking lots should be held responsible for not warning the public about these tactics. After all, most of us think of coins as harmless, not as criminal tools. But until awareness spreads, drivers are left to protect themselves, one cautious glance at a door handle at a time.

The next time you approach your car and see that flash of copper, don’t laugh. Don’t dismiss it. That penny could mean someone, somewhere, has already chosen you as their next target…