Coin on windshield: Crooks' new trick to steal from cars

Drivers are being warned of a sophisticated new car theft trick that exploits their natural reactions. Crooks are placing items like coins or paper on windshields, designed to obstruct the driver's view.

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The intention is to make the driver exit the vehicle to remove the obstruction. While the driver is outside, potentially leaving the car unlocked or the engine running, a thief quickly opens the passenger door and steals valuables like purses, wallets, or phones left on the seat.

The intention is to make the driver exit the vehicle to remove the obstruction. While the driver is outside, potentially leaving the car unlocked or the engine running, a thief quickly opens the passenger door and steals valuables like purses, wallets, or phones left on the seat. The operation is so swift that victims often don't realize they've been targeted until the perpetrators have fled.

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This is a distraction theft tactic, a tactic that criminals often use in public places like shopping mall parking lots or in front of ATMs.

Toronto police highlight this as a "distraction theft" tactic, frequently employed in public spaces such as shopping mall parking lots or outside ATMs. The goal is to create brief confusion and capitalize on a moment of inattention. Thieves often work in pairs: one creates the distraction, while the other executes the theft.

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The goal is to create brief confusion to exploit a moment of inattention.

Unlike older, technically unfeasible tricks like coins in door handles, this method relies purely on psychology and exploiting human behavior. It's a universally applicable and genuine danger. Awareness of surroundings is key, as criminals now "break into" your attention, not just your vehicle.

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Awareness of surroundings is key, as criminals now 'break into' your attention, not just your vehicle.