Car Prowls Are A Big Deal

The popularity of the latest portable vehicle navigation computers, or GPS (Global Positioning System) units is making these handy units a popular item on a car prowler's shopping list. Certainly the best advice is to simply take the gizmo with you when you leave the car. Unfortunately it's becoming more and more common to find your window broken out if it eve LOOKS like a GPS unit might be hidden somewhere in the car.

Authorities in Florida say Global Positioning Systems have replaced portable compact-disc players and radios as the hot item for thieves, mirroring a nationwide trend. The ownership of these nifty little devices has grown more than 600% over the last four years. They're small and easy to pawn. That makes them great targets for someone looking for quick cash.

The greatest draw for thieves - other than seeing your GPS out in the open - is the indication that you do have such a device that MAY be in the car. I see cars parked with the suction cup mounting bracket stuck to the windshield or cars parked in mall and park and ride lots all over town. What thief would be able to resist the thought that a GPS unit might be hidden in the console or glove compartment?

But even if you unstick the mounting bracket and hide it, there's probably a tell-tale ring where the suction cup was attached. I read in one story that a police department back east gave out more than 1,000 micro-fiber cloths people could use to remove the rings (I've found personally that this doesn't work so well - I keep foil-wrapped eyeglass wipes in my car for this purpose).

The worst thing is that even if you take all these precautions you might still find our window smashed - even in your own driveway (as happened to me) - because there is some tell-tale sign you over looked.

The best bet, in my opinion, is to take as many precautions as possible. Then make sure you have a low comprehensive coverage deductible. You may also get some small satisfaction if your device allows you to lock it with a PIN. At least the thief won't be making any money off your device.