Of late the number of sat navs stolen have been increasing at an alarming rate. Satellite navigators are stolen mainly from cars that are parked in driveways and in parking lots. As per the statistics there are around 2.2 million vehicles that use a satellite navigation unit. This provides an opportunist thief with about 2.2 million light weight and latest electronic gizmos to be flipped.

What is the need to steal a Satellite Navigator ???

On an average the cost of this unit works out to be around £205 to £300. this can easily be sold in pubs and other such places for a much lower price ranging anywhere between £100 to £150. Thus the main reason for stealing a sat nav is the resale value that comes with the device. This is not the only reason why thieves lay their hands on this unit. A satellite navigator includes the personal address and telephone numbers of the user. Thus a user can just call and check the availability of the user before planning their stealing schedule. The main targets are the tourist group. They are often out to venture a new place and in case their gps unit is stolen it provides the robber with a lot of time to clean off  all the valuable items from their homes. With summer just round the corner; the thieves will be on the lookout for vehicle that use sat navs. As the famous proverb “Prevention is better than Cure”; it is better to be cautious and safeguard your device now  rather than lose all your valuables and cry over it later.

Precautions to Safeguard your Satellite Navigator…………

• Always disconnect your sat nav from the car and take it along with you. Please do not leave it in the glove compartment as that is the first place where thieves look. Also ensure to wipe away the marks left by the suction mount. You can wipe it either by using a cloth or by the cleaning wipes specifically designed for this purpose. Thieves conclude the presence of sat navs in the car with the help of these marks.

• Note down the serial number, model number and make of the device and preserve the details in a safe place not in your car. You can also register your car equipments with certain tracking agencies; which are approved by the police forces and allow to register your device nationally.

• You can put your home address, post code or phone number on the equipment using an ultraviolet marker or any other kind of security markers. This will be useful in identifying your device if it is found by the cops.

• Always park your vehicle in well lit and busy parking area. You can also look out for Police Approved safe parking zones to park your car.

• Never display any kind of valuable item in your car. It tempts a thief to break a window or door to look out for stuff.

• While leaving your vehicle check to see if all the doors and windows are locked, please do not forget the sunroof. Do not leave the keys in the ignition while paying for petrol or while chatting with a friend. You never know there may be a thief lurking around.

• Lastly if possible spend a few extra bucks and get a sat nav with anti-theft security features. It is a small price to pay for the safety of your family.

The need to stop Sat Nav Thefts ………………..

Sat Nav thefts are costing the insurance companies a lot of money. This is because firstly your car is broken into to steal the device, thus the insurance companies have to bear the cost of repairing the broken door or window. Also this causes a lot of mental trauma as you may lose some valuable items and you need to keep contacting the cops to see if it has been recovered. You can also do your bit to stop this crime. In case you get any information of sat navs being sold in pubs and other places at cheaper prices then please inform the police force about it. You never know, you may be purchasing a stolen unit.

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