March/April 2008

'Don't turn your car into a shop window'

Thieves find their way to new rich pickings

By DENNIS AMOR

CARAVANNERS and other travellers have been urged by police to take more care of their satellite navigation devices.

This follows a rise in GPS thefts as more and more drivers, including caravanners and motorhomers, use them to find their way round Australia.

South Australian police said they were concerned over the increase in GPSs which could be attributed to the growing popularity of the devices and owners not taking simple crime prevention steps.

They are now encouraging drivers to remove GPSs from vehicles and lock doors and windows.

"Thieves are opportunists and it only takes a few minutes to steal from vehicles," a spokesperson said. "Don't turn your car into a shop window for thieves by leaving anything on display."

The spokesperson said thieves often checked glove boxes and centre consoles so it was not advisable to leave a GPS there.

"Take your GPS with you when you leave the vehicle along with the support cradle, and wipe the suction pad marks from the window ... even it you leave the vehicle for a short while."