Information on Loughborough

Sat Nav thefts targetted in North West Leicestershire

Posted on 01/08/2008

Police in North West Leicestershire have come up with an innovative and eye catching way of reminding motorists to remove their satellite navigation systems from their vehicles.

Since January 1st 2008 there's been a 62% increase in the theft of Sat Navs across the district of North West Leicestershire - 24 were stolen between January 1 2007 and May 29 2007 compared to 39 for the same period this year.  As Sat Navs become more popular, that rise is likely to increase so the police are trying to raise awareness of the risk of leaving it on display and reduce the number of offences.

They've produced 4000 bright yellow Sat Nav Tags which are designed to hang on or around the machine.  On one side the tag says; ‘Sat Nav - Don't Leave it in the Car' and on the other side is a soft pad that can be used to wipe the suction mark cup from the windscreen.  The tags have been paid for by the police and the North West Leicestershire Community Safety Partnership.

64 year old Harry Neil from Coalville had his satellite navigation stolen from his camper van in May.  He said; "We had driven back from Cornwall that day and it had been a tiring journey.  When we got home we unloaded the van but stupidly I left the Sat Nav in the front still sitting in its cradle.  When I woke up the next morning my front side window had been smashed and the Sat Nav, cradle and cable were all gone.  It cost me about £300 to repair the window and replace the machine. 

"I was so cross with myself because it would only have taken a few seconds to remove it.  I think these bright yellow tags are a great reminder to remove your machine from your car or van, if they stop 5% of thefts it's got to be worth it."

The tags are the brainchild of the Community Initiatives Co-ordinator for North West Leicestershire Local Policing Unit, Steve Hastings.  He said; "Removing your Sat Nav removes the opportunity for it to be stolen but it might not be the first thing you think about when you get out of your vehicle so the tag is there to remind you.

"Offenders will often look for a suction mark on the windscreen. This makes it easy for them because, more often than not, if there's a suction mark, they'll find a Sat Nav in the glove box. The same philosophy applies if you leave a sat nav cradle or phone charger where it can be seen. So the tags can also be used to wipe the mark off."

"We will be giving the tags out at community events, beat surgeries, ‘Have a Say Days,' patchwalks and to motorists living in hot spot areas.  The tags will be given away with a crime prevention leaflet and verbal advice."

Councillor Trevor Pendleton, Portfolio Holder for Community for North West Leicestershire District Council, says: "We are delighted to be supporting the Police through the CDRP funding in this initiative to further reduce crime in the North West Leicestershire District. The increasing use of Sat Nav systems offers more opportunities for theft from vehicles and this is a simple and effective way to keep equipment out of sight and safe."

Tips that may prevent your vehicle being broken into:

  • When you leave your vehicle, take all valuables out with you. (Don't leave equipment in your glove compartment, under your seat, in the door well or boot. Thieves know where to look - take your valuables out of your car.)
  • Remove the Sat Nav cradle out of sight and make sure that you wipe away any suction marks left on the windscreen or dashboard... thieves look out for these.
  • Mark your Sat Nav and other valuable electrical equipment with Smartwater or UV pen and keep a note of the make, model and serial number. This helps police to return items to you and to catch offenders.

Issued on 01/08/08 at 09:00