It used to be laptop computers that were coveted by car thieves, but police have revealed that satellite navigation systems are now the crooks' most popular target.
For years motorists have had their right to a cheap car insurance policy ruined by heartless criminals breaking into cars in search of laptops, but now the trend seems to have shifted and sat-nav systems are beginning to go missing at an alarming rate.
A spokesman for Thames Valley Police issued a statement saying, "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."
Motor insurance companies across the UK are warning drivers to take extra security precautions to protect their property and so safeguard their right to a cheap car insurance policy.
Mike Page from Hoot Car Insurance Services, a leading provider of young driver car insurance, commented, "Keep any valuables in the car well-hidden, or even better, take them out of the car altogether."
"A sat-nav system on the dashboard or a laptop left on the back seat is just inviting a thief to break in. Don't give them the opportunity because they won't need to be asked twice."