Imagine this: you are walking towards your car, holding your keys, prepared to start driving. But as you get closer, something doesn’t seem right. Your key is stuck in the lock and you don’t know why. Hey, buddy, you might have been tricked by a car thief using a penny (but everything could actually be okay!).
The Clever Trick with a Penny: A Thief’s Top Tool
Car thieves are known for using clever methods, and one common trick is to use a small coin like a penny or nickel. These tricky people put a small coin in the passenger side door handle. Doesn’t it seem strange? But it could work better than you expect.
Why is the door handle on the side where the passenger sits?
You may ask yourself why thieves choose to steal cars by targeting the passenger side door handle. Here’s the situation: when you try to use your key to lock the doors, it doesn’t work. For what reason? Because that coin is stuck in the car door. It’s like a small obstacle that stops you from locking your car correctly.
The Thief’s Strategy: Hiding and Waiting
Now, this is where it becomes even more difficult. Car thieves don’t just steal cars quickly. They have a darker plan in mind. As you have trouble opening your car with your key, a thief could be nearby, hiding and waiting for you to either give up or get distracted before trying to break into your car.
Be careful: What actions should you take?
What should you do if you think something suspicious is happening with your car door? First, remain relaxed. Being anxious won’t solve anything. Instead, follow these steps to outsmart the person trying to steal your car:
Inspect the door handle of the passenger car if your key is not turning. Search for any objects from outside, like a hidden penny, that could be blocking the machine.
Be vigilant: Pay attention to what is around you. If something doesn’t seem right, listen to your gut feeling. If you feel uneasy, you can ask for assistance or have someone come to your car to meet you.
Don’t go back to the car if you can’t open the door. Instead, find a place with lots of light and people around, and ask for help. Thieves are more likely to steal your car when you are by yourself or not paying attention.
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