Satnavs - the car thief's "must have"

The devices are small, self-contained and high value and can make an easy target for criminals.

A run of sat-nav thefts from cars and vans in the Bexhill area has prompted a secure-it-or-lose-it warning from police.

Sarah O'Shaughnessy, Sussex Police Crime Prevention Officer for the Rother area, says: "Following a spate of Satellite Navigation thefts from vehicles in the Bexhill area, Sussex Police would like to remind people to be vigilant and take extra precautions to ensure the security of their possessions.

"When leaving your vehicle please make sure that Satellite Navigation Systems are removed.

"I know that most of you do this, however a lot of people are still leaving the suction pad or cradle on display on the dashboard and this is enough to alert a would be car thief to the fact that there is possibly a Sat. Nav system hidden away within the vehicle, probably in the glove compartment, and this is all the information they need to target your car / van.

"Also ensure that all such items are property marked as this is a deterrent to thieves as property marking makes it more difficult to pass or sell items on. Property marking pens and stickers can be obtained from Bexhill Police Station for 1."

Anyone needing further information is invited to contact the Crime Prevention Officer on 01424 456451.