VICTORIA police have urged caravanners to take more care of their satellite navigation systems.

The call comes after official crime figures revealed a big rise in thefts from motor vehicles, with thieves particularly targetting GPSs.

Nearly 19 satellite navigation systems are being stolen across Victoria daily, resulting in an increase of 316 per cent since last year.

In 2006/07, 1632 systems were stolen which this year jumped to a staggering 6787.

"The number of global positioning systems being stolen is astounding and what makes it more concerning is that this is a preventable crime," Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon said.

"Theft from a vehicle accounts for almost 14 per cent of all crimes reported to Victoria Police. Drivers need to ensure that satellite navigation systems are removed from sight and phones and other small electrical items are not left on display, particularly when cars are left in public transport car parks.

"Theft from motor cars is a purely opportunistic offence. If people did not leave valuables in their cars then thieves would simply keep walking past their vehicle, she added.

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