Industry News from Yes Insurance

Satellite navigation systems are the new number one target for car thieves, according to police.

Previously motorists were forced to claim on their car insurance as criminals broke into vehicles looking to get their hands on stereos and laptops, but times are changing and so too is crime.

Thames Valley Police has revealed that sat-navs are now the most popular item stolen from cars and they say it is because they are easy to take.

Statistics from the Oxford Mail show that 108 sat-navs have been stolen in Oxfordshire alone since February this year, a figure which could be reduced if drivers took a few more precautions and did not leave possessions on display.

"Leaving any valuables in the car is a serious risk, however, the growing use of sat-nav systems is creating another new target for these criminals along with laptops, iPods, CDs, cash and mobile phones," said Thames Valley Police spokesman Tim Wiseman.

"Across Oxfordshire opportunist criminals are taking advantage and crime rates are increasing, while the police continue with high-visibility patrols and targeting of known offenders through intelligence-led operations," he added.

Motorists could save themselves some money by not leaving valuables on display in their car and avoiding having to make a claim on their car insurance.

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