Police warn motorists after dramatic rise in theft of Sat Navs

Date published: 24/03/2006

In just under three months (January to March) 1,250 satellite navigation systems have been stolen from vehicles across Greater Manchester – an average of 15 per day.

There were 463 thefts in January, 418 in February and 369 in March (to date). Police warn the handy devices are now top of the wish list for car thieves. They are simple to spot and remove, and make easy pickings for the criminal.

The satellite navigation systems are mainly being stolen from vehicles where the owners have left the vehicle parked and unattended, but with the satellite navigation system still on display.

However thieves are also targeting vehicles where just the satellite navigation system’s cradle can be seen, normally stuck to the vehicle windscreen, knowing that some motorists will have placed them in the glove box or under a seat.

The advice being given to people who own these portable devices is simple – remove them from your vehicle, as this is the only way to prevent them from being stolen.  People are also being told to remove the support cradle and suction pads, as well as making sure they wipe away any suction marks left on the windscreen or dashboard, as thieves will look out for these.

Other crime prevention tips include marking satellite navigation equipment with your postcode and house number or your vehicle registration number. Make a note of the make, model and serial number of the equipment.

Sergeant Dave Cooper, from GMP’s Operational Policing Unit said: “We are urging all motorists who own one of these devices to take the time to remove them when leaving vehicle’s unattended.

He added: “We have heard of cases where criminals are even looking for ‘sucker marks’ on windscreens to see if the vehicle is fitted with one and then breaking in to see if the owner has hidden the device in the glove compartment.

“We recommend that motorists remove all personal belongings from their vehicles rather than hide them, as thieves know where to look.  When you leave your car, shut all windows, lock it and activate the immobiliser, if you have one.”

Rochdale Statistics:

2006 no. of thefts              
Jan     -    29                           
Feb     -    24                       
Mar     -    23                       

2005 no.of thefts
Jan    -     1   
Feb    -     1
Mar   -      2