NSW POLICE FIGURES released this week show that window and dash-mounted GPS devices are popular targets for thieves, with over 5000 stolen from NSW cars in the past 12 months - about 15 each day.
Police Minister for NSW, Michael Daley said that even though theft from vehicles has dropped 21 percent in the past year, it is alarming that so many reported thefts are of GPS navigation devices.
The minister said motorists may be unwittingly making their vehicles a target by leaving their GPS devices or holders on display.
“Leaving your GPS holder fixed to the windscreen or iPod charger plugged in is like leaving a $100 note on the dashboard,” Mr Daley said.
“Even if you’ve removed your GPS unit and other valuables from your car, thieves will smash your window in the mistaken belief that they’ll find something of value.”
Mr Daley said that the increasing popularity of very small, very expensive portable gadgets has made breaking into cars more lucrative than ever.
“Simple precautions need to be taken – take your valuables and accessories out of the car, make sure your windows are up and remember to lock your car,” Mr Daley said.
These easy steps could stop you becoming a victim of crime.”
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I’ve even heard that these low-lifes will break in thinking there’s a GPS in there if they see even the “ring” left on the windscreen by the rubber cup of the GPS-holder / mount.
So we need to carry Windex and a cloth around in the car as well these days?
I don’t think this is limited to portable nav units either. I’ve heard of people breaking in to cars with factory nav as well. Even if thieves don’t have time to grab the whole unit it could still be worth their while to steal the OEM nav disc, thanks to the stupid prices dealers charge for updates.
Godspeed, no need to carry windex around with you, but a cloth may be good. I do 60,000 km’s a yr for work & when in Sydney, spend lot of time working around some dodgy areas and I’ve been known to lock my GPS in the glovebox (will take it with me if I’ll be gone more than 30 mins or so)alot of the time.
I usually have a small cloth in the centre console & ALWAYS wipe the ring the holder makes from the inside of the windscreen , and have got an oldish UBD sitting on the passenger seat just incase. Touch wood……haven’t had a problem in the 2 or 3 yrs I’ve used one.