Beware of the “coin-in-the-door” scam—here’s how it works, why it’s dangerous, and what to do if you find one to prevent theft.

How the Coin Trick Works

In recent years, law enforcement has warned of a clever tactic used by car thieves: inserting a coin or small flat object into a car’s door handle to prevent it from locking properly.

Here’s the process:

The thief selects a parked car and discreetly inserts a coin into the slot of the passenger-side or rear door handle—less visible to the driver.
When the owner gets in and locks the car with the remote, the affected door doesn’t lock fully.
The driver, unaware, leaves the car unattended.
The thief, watching from a distance, simply opens the unlocked door to steal valuables—or even the vehicle.

Why It’s Dangerous

Quick and silent – No broken glass or visible damage.
Hard to notice – Most drivers assume all doors have locked.
Works in busy areas – Thieves can operate without drawing attention.

How to Protect Yourself

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