Bracknell

Bracknell police are sending a message to motorists not to “be a sucker to thieves,” after an increase in thefts of satellite navigation equipment from vehicles in the area.

Since 1 January this year, more than 120 ‘sat navs’ have been stolen from cars in Bracknell Forest local police area – in comparison with a total of 43 taken across the whole of the Thames Valley Police area in 2005.

Bracknell Crime reduction adviser Everett Bentley and Sgt Barry Cox from the Community Safety Team were out on patrol in Bracknell last Saturday (23/9), stopping drivers as they entered car parks at The Lookout, Coral Reef and the adjacent Raquets Sports Club.

“We advised motorists about the importance of taking sat navs with them whenever they park their vehicles,” said Everett. “Many drivers were unaware that leaving the support cradle and suction pads behind still encourages thieves to break into the car, because they assume the device is hidden in the glove box. Thieves will even spot the tell-tale cradle sucker mark on the window or dashboard.”

In an innovative scheme to get their message across, the Bracknell Community Safety Team is handing out free dusters to target groups of motorists. Each duster is printed with the slogan “Don’t be a sucker to thieves,” together with a reminder to wipe away the cradle sucker ring and always take your valuable sat nav with you.

“Sat nav systems can cost several hundred pounds,” said Everett. “We ask motorists whether they would leave £500 on the dashboard – and of course, the answer is no!”

Last Saturday, the officers handed out leaflets to motorists containing crime reduction advice, together with a ‘fuel gauge’ notice to display, indicating that their car was empty of valuables. “We had some very positive feedback from drivers, who were pleased to see a visible police presence and appreciated our advice,” said Everett. “Together with other members of the Community Safety Team, we will be patrolling The Meadows car park next weekend.”

For more information about how to protect your satellite navigation equipment from thieves, visit: www.crimereduction.gov.uk/vehiclecrime/vehiclecrime55.htm

Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell