Police halve Sat Nav thefts in Rochdale

Date published: 12/12/2006

Police in Rochdale have managed to reduce the number of satellite navigation system (sat nav) thefts by half.

Two hundred and forty five sat navs were stolen in the town during the period 1 January – 30 June 2006, compared to just 117 from 1 July – 21 November 2006.

As part of Greater Manchester Police’s forcewide vehicle crime campaign WICKED, officers ran a number of operations in car crime hotspots such as the Falinge area of Rochdale, and used targeted patrols to make it harder for criminals to break into vehicles.

Leaflets giving vehicle security advice were also distributed at community events by PCSOs, and the operation was run together with a 'Security Grub Screw’ initiative to secure car stereos.

Police warn sat navs are now top of the wish list for car thieves, as they are easy to spot and remove.

They are mainly stolen when owners have left their vehicle parked and unattended, but with the sat nav still on display.

Chief Inspector Dale Sexton of Rochdale police said: "These figures show our tactics to combat sat nav thefts are working, but we still urge motorists who own one of these devices to take the time to remove them when leaving vehicles unattended.

"We have heard of cases where criminals are even looking for "sucker marks’ on windscreens to see if the vehicle is fitted with one and then breaking in to see if the owner has hidden the device in the glove compartment.

"We recommend that motorists remove all personal belongings from their vehicles rather than hide them, as thieves know where to look. When you leave your car, shut all windows, lock it and activate the immobiliser if you have one."

Other crime prevention tips include marking satellite navigation equipment with your postcode and house number or your vehicle registration number.  Owners should also note the make, model and serial number.