A popular car parts website has reported that a tool, specifically designed for jimmying car doors, is out of stock. That, in and of itself, is not very worrying (and probably wonderful - profitable - news for the website owner). What is worrying, though, is that this particular item is this website’s most popular item. Exactly who is buying these things, en masse? Are we all in danger of having our car jimmied? What ever can we do to protect ourselves?

Well, not much, really. If a thief really wants to get inside your car he is going to find a way. How he does depends largely on his ultimate goal. If he wants to steal the contents, he’s going to break the window and reach in. If he wants to steal the car, however, he probably won’t break the window, because that will raise a red flag with law enforcement authorities if he’s spotted while driving. So, he’ll jimmy the car door open, using the ever-popular super jimmy tool he bought online or even a common household screwdriver.

A recently patented invention can actually stop car jimmying. A Jimmi’ Jammer bolts a steal plate behind the door handle mechanism, and prevents the thief from prying open the handle seam; thieves that punch out the locking mechanism behind the door handle will also find it impossible to do. It’s not a one-sized-fits-all type of anti-theft device, though; it is specific to individual cars, SUVs and trucks.

That website that sells the “out of stock” jimmying tool has email notification for when the product is back in stock. Makes you wonder how many people are anxiously waiting to buy their own “Super Jimmy”