ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPARTMENT
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
2003 MILL ROAD
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22314-4658
703-838-4636
MEDIA ADVISORY
SEPTEMBER 7, 2007 #07-045
3:30 P.M. HILDEBRANDT
Alexandria Police Urge Residents to Take Action to Prevent GPS Thefts
The Alexandria Police Department has noted a significant increase in the theft of global positioning system (GPS) devices and other electronic equipment from vehicles over the past few months. From January through early September, a total of 75 GPS devices have been stolen from vehicles throughout the City of Alexandria. This is an increase over the 34 GPS devices that were stolen during the entire year in 2006.
These thefts are occurring almost exclusively among the portable GPS devices that can be purchased separately and added to a vehicle. The portable devices are easily installed with no complicated wiring procedures. All that is required is to install a cradle in which the unit sits pasted to the front windshield by a suction cup. These devices are small, portable and highly desirable.
Alexandria Police advise motorists to take the following precautions to deter thieves from stealing GPS devices from their vehicles:
Do not leave anything on display that could tempt a thief. Remove all traces of portable GPS devices from the dashboard, including the cradle. Do not simply put the unit in the glove box or under the seat. Thieves will quickly find them.
Keep a supply of moist towelettes to clean the area of the windshield marked by the GPS device’s suction cup.
Do not leave any other valuables in your vehicle. (i.e., laptop computer, camera, satellite radio, cell phone, etc.)
Lock all doors and close windows when you leave your car, even if it is only for a short time. This includes filling up at the gas station.
Look for a parking space in a well-lit, busy area.
Purchase a cradle that mounts on the dash vents.
For further information, please contact the Alexandria Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit at 703.838.4520.
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