2nd Precinct Crime Prevention Specialist Carol Oosterhuis sent the following crime alert on April 3:

Police are urging residents to exercise caution following several thefts of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) from cars in the Second Precinct. Police across the country have seen an increase in the number of GPS device thefts. Thieves typically smash car windows, pull out the GPS and then sell the device.
Because the value of some GPS devices ranges from $180 to more than $1,300 dollars, this makes them an attractive target for thieves. Police encourage vehicle owners to take a pro-active approach. As with other thefts from motor vehicles, theft of GPS systems is an opportunistic crime. By leaving the portable device in their car, the owner is leaving the opportunity for an individual to see and take the device. Police advise motorists to remove the device and place it in a secure location when the car is parked.

Tips to minimize the risk of your GPS from being stolen:

• Consider using a friction mount instead of the suction-cup windshield mount most GPS devices which are sold with the device. Friction mounts rest on the dashboard instead being attached to the glass, and can be easily hidden under the seat when the car is parked. Plus, there’s no revealing ring on the windshield to tip off thieves.

• If you do use a windshield mount, remove it when using the car and wipe off the suction cup smudge.

• Write down the serial number of your GPS and register it with the manufacturer. That way, if it ever goes missing you can prove the unit was yours.

• If your GPS includes a lock/password feature, use it. These PIN combinations can be cracked, but you want to make it more difficult for a thief to take your device.

• Park your car in a locked garage.

last revised: April 3, 2008

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