Urban legends and viral warnings have been a part of internet culture for years. One such story that keeps resurfacing is the “penny in the car door handle” trick—a supposed method used by car thieves to gain access to vehicles. According to the myth, criminals place a penny (or sometimes a nickel) in the door handle, preventing the car from locking properly. Later, they return and easily open the door to steal valuables or even the entire car. But is there any truth to this claim, or is it just another internet hoax? Let’s break it down.
Where Did the Myth Come From?
The penny-in-the-door-handle trick gained popularity through social media posts and chain emails warning people to check their car door handles before walking away. Some versions of the story claim that thieves target specific vehicles with this method, especially older models with manual locks. However, there are no verified reports of actual car thefts happening this way.
Why the Penny Trick Doesn’t Work
There are several reasons why this myth doesn’t hold up:
🔹 Modern Car Locks Don’t Work That Way
Most modern cars use electronic locks that won’t be affected by a coin stuck in the handle. Even if a penny were wedged into the door handle, it wouldn’t interfere with the locking mechanism, as locks are controlled internally.
🔹 A Penny is Too Small to Jam the Lock
Even in older cars with mechanical locks, a thin coin like a penny wouldn’t prevent the lock from engaging. The design of door handles varies by manufacturer, making it unlikely that a simple coin could disable the system.
🔹 No Police Reports Support This Claim
Law enforcement agencies have not issued official warnings about this method being used in car thefts. Most reports of the penny trick come from unverified social media posts rather than real crime statistics.
How Car Thieves Actually Steal Vehicles
While the penny trick is likely a myth, car theft is a real issue. Thieves use more sophisticated methods to break into and steal vehicles, such as:
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