What to Do Immediately (Calm, Practical Steps)
If you notice a coin wedged into a door handle—or anything that looks out of place—treat it as a safety check, not a horror movie.
- Stop and look around first. Don’t tunnel-vision on the handle.
- Don’t linger with your back turned. Reposition so you can see your surroundings.
- Check all doors. Test each handle. Confirm they lock and unlock normally.
- Use your phone strategically. If you’re uneasy, call someone and stay on the line.
- Move to a better-lit area if possible. If you can safely relocate the car later, do it.
- Remove the object only if it feels safe. If something feels wrong, don’t wrestle with it.
- Trust your instincts about the environment. If you feel watched or unsafe, leave and get help.
If you’re in a parking garage or a quiet lot, consider walking back into a public place.
If you’re at home and it looks like repeated tampering, consider a camera or motion light—not because you’re sure it’s theft, but because deterrence works.
And here’s an underrated move:
Take a quick photo of what you found.
Not to “go viral,” but to document it in case you notice a pattern later.
Now for the part most people skip: what if your lock still doesn’t behave normally afterward?
Read more on the next page ⬇️⬇️⬇️
