18 November 2008
Motorists are being urged not to leave marks on their windscreens when removing satellite navigation devices, as thieves may spot them and break in looking for the gadget.
According to the Institute of Advanced Motorists, drivers think they will be less at risk of theft if they remove their satnav systems when they leave their car.
However, as spokesperson Vince Yearly explained, many forget about the telltale ring mark that satnav devices leave behind.
Since many drivers hide expensive items in their glove box, opportunistic thieves may spot the marks and break in, hoping to find the satnav system.
This could result in drivers having to make a claim on their car insurance for theft and damage if they do suffer a break-in.
Mr Yearly also advised drivers not to programme their home address into their satnav. "If somebody does get hold of your satnav it is a double whammy because not only do they know where you live, they know you are not there and they can navigate their way using your satnav to your home and possibly burgle it," he warned.
According to research by the insurer LV=, eight out of ten motorists have left valuables in their car.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
Content for the uSwitch.com market news service is provided by a third party, Adfero Ltd. Whilst uSwitch.com makes reasonable efforts to check the reliability of this content, uSwitch.com does not guarantee the accuracy thereof or endorse the views or opinions given by Adfero Ltd, unless expressly stated otherwise.