It’s not every day you return to your car and find something strange stuck in the door handle — especially a penny. This seemingly harmless object

can leave you confused, curious, and even concerned. That’s exactly how I felt when I spotted a penny lodged neatly into my passenger door handle.

At first, I brushed it off as a harmless prank. But then I started wondering: could this be something more serious?

With reports of unusual car theft tactics circulating online, I began to dig deeper.

Some online sources suggest that thieves may use tactics like wedging coins or other small objects in door handles to test whether

a car is frequently checked or locked by its owner. If the coin remains for a while, it might indicate an unattended vehicle — a possible target.

Others claim it’s simply a prank or a random act with no real intent behind it. Still, the uncertainty is enough to raise red flags.

Regardless of the true intent, it’s always wise to stay alert. Check your doors, make sure your vehicle is locked,

and report any suspicious activity. Sometimes, even a penny can be a warning to pay closer attention.