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How To Reduce The Risk Of Satellite Navigation Theft

Here's some tips to help keep your sat nav off a thief's target list.

Change Your Attitude

Unfortunately we live in a world where theft of some sort or another is common. Therefore, when taking care of your sat nav, be of the 'how can I prevent it' mindset rather than the 'it'll never happen to me' mindset. This simple change will help make you more aware of factors thieves look for and will consequently help you to rectify these.

Remove The Mount

Some sat nav owners are lazy. Others are so busy. Whatever their story, some people don't bother taking the sat nav mount off when parking.

By displaying a sat nav mount, you are screaming to the world that you own a sat nav system.

In Winter, Clean Your Windscreen

What's this got to do with anything? In Winter, car interiors tends to steam up and the windows become foggy. If you have been using a sat nav mount, the ring left by the suction pad will be visible when the windscreen becomes foggy.

Sat nav mount rings are a clear sign that you own a sat nav system.

Never Leave Your Sat Nav In Your Car

Always take it with you.

If you have to leave it in the car, place it in the boot or in a glovebox - out of sight. This really should be a last resort and you should follow the other steps on this page. Leaving any valuables in your car is a major risk and is always advised against.

Clear Your Sat Nav History

The sat nav history is a great feature that saves a lot of time. Unfortunately, it can lead thieves to previous destinations you have been, including your home.

Clear your history regularly to help reduce the risk if your system is stolen.

Don't Set A Home Location

If a thief gets hold of your sat nav, the 'Home' button will provide them with accurate information on how to get to your house. Whilst this saves you time, it can also cost you a lot more if you've given your thief doorstep directions to your house.

If you need to set a home location, set it to a nearby street. Don't use the exact address - and try not to use anyone else's address. Why should they be burgled because someone stole your sat nav systems?

Security Tag Your Sat Nav

Buy yourself a UV Pen ebay(around £5 on eBay delivered) and mark the sat nav with your initial and surname, and with a memorable 4 digit code. Write this on the plastic casing of the sat nav itself. Do not write this on the screen.

The reason for this is that when you report the loss to the police, you are no longer reporting a standard sat nav loss. You are reporting a sat nav loss with your initial, surname and 4 digit code written in UV on it. If a sat nav is recovered, it can then be put under UV light and if your details appear where you say they should, the system can be returned to you.

It's a simple trick but one that's naked to the eye.

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