High tech thieves find rich pickings

Nov 7 2005 By Neil Elkes, Birmingham Mail

SATELLITE navigation systems are the new gadgets of choice for thieves, Sutton Coldfield Police warned today.

Cars fitted with the 'sat nav' systems, used to guide drivers to their destinations, are increasingly being targeted in and around the town.

Police have seen a sharp rise in thefts from vehicles in Sutton Coldfield, Kingstanding and Castle Vale and are warning owners to take precautions.

And they warn the increase could continue as the portable computer systems become more affordable and are popular Christmas gifts.

Other presents high on the black market wanted list are portable DVD players and iPods which have also been left on view in cars.

Sgt Sue Jones said: "We ask that people who have got these useful devices hang onto them by removing them from their cars whenever left unattended.

"They can also postcode them with ultra violet marker pens or using another method so we can identify them and return them to their rightful owners if recovered."

She said postcode marking can also help prove offences if the system is found in the hands of a suspected thief.

Police also warned motorists not to leave Christmas shopping bags on show in unattended cars as the festive season has traditionally proved a bumper time for thieves.