Theft of Satellite Navigation Systems

AT a time when Thame is in the middle of an anti-car crime campaign, Police in South Oxfordshire are warning car owners to take satellite navigation systems with them when they leave their cars, after a spate of thefts across the area.

Cars have even been broken into when just the holder for the system has been on display so motorists are advised to remove any evidence of their navigation systems while the car is unattended.

In recent weeks there have been several incidents, including one at the Welcome Break Services and one in Chinnor.

Alison Smith, Crime Reduction Advisor for the Didcot and Wallingford, said: ?Please remove all valuables from your car before leaving it and leave your glove box open so that criminals can see there is nothing to steal.

?Ultraviolet pens are available from police stations so you can mark your property. Stolen property recovered by police can then be identified and returned.
?Satellite navigation equipment is becoming more popular with motorists, and it is also becoming more popular with criminals. Where possible keep it safe by taking it, together with the support cradle and suction pads, with you when you leave the car.
?Also remember to wipe away any suction pad marks left on the windscreen or dashboard as thieves will look out for these. Don’t leave the equipment in the glove compartment ? thieves will usually check there first.?
You can also help by following these tips:
? Mark your satellite navigation equipment system with your postcode and house number or your vehicle registration number or another unique number, using special security markers.
? Make a note of the make, model and serial number of the equipment and keep the note somewhere safe ? not in the car. Consider recording this information on one of the commercially available asset registers.
? Don’t leave anything on view in your car. Thieves are opportunists and it takes them seconds to break into your car.
? Lock all doors and windows, not forgetting the sunroof, when leaving your car.
? Never leave the keys in the ignition when the car is unattended, even while you’re paying for petrol.
? Use car parks that are part of the police-approved Safer Parking Scheme. Approved car parks display the official ‘Park Mark’TM sign. For details, visit: www.saferparking.com