Wolverhampton was today named as a hotspot for sat nav thieves as police revealed a 300 per cent surge in the number stolen across the region in less than a year.
Thousands of the expensive satellite navigation devices have been stolen by thieves in the West Midlands who have been taking an average of 331 a month since January.
The trend peaked last month with a record 503 systems taken from cars in the West Midlands in August alone.
Police said gangs have been prolific in targeting certain areas, with Wolverhampton, Halesowen, Kingswinford and Stourbridge named as among the worst hit.
They are now warning owners of the systems to ‘remove it or lose it’ as part of Operation Momentum, a campaign aimed at tackling the rise in crime.
Sgt David Cotton said: “Owners of this type of equipment can help by taking the software from the car every time they leave them unattended. If a thief can’t see it they can’t steal it.”
Officers will also be holding holding Cop ‘n Shop events at shopping centres and car parks throughout September to remind drivers of the importance of removing the systems.
The first will be at St John’s Retail Park in Wolverhampton on Monday from noon to 6pm, and on Tuesday at the park and ride car park at the city’s science park, off Stafford Road, between 6pm and 8pm.
By Andy Rea
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