Public Safety would like to inform our community that we have had a rash of motor vehicle break-ins in the past week where GPS units were the only items taken. We are not the only area affected, as crime experts nationwide believe that portable GPS units, as well as iPods, are crimogenic – that is, they can actually create crimes. The devices are easy to steal and are worth more to a criminal in a pawnshop or on the street than the haul from the average vehicle break in. A thief would probably have to steal six car radios to get the return from stealing one GPS.

The best prevention for theft of your GPS is to take it with you. Bad guys are breaking in to cars just because they see the unit. What’s more, the unit itself does not even have to be seen. The cradle units left in sight or the round marks left on your dashboard from the suction cups inform would be thieves that a unit is in the vehicle. Remove the cradle units and wipe the ring from the suction cups off your dashboard when leaving your vehicle. If you do not take the items with you at least put them in the trunk and not under your seat or in the glove box. Thefts of these units have quadrupled nationwide in the last two years.

Many owners make recovery of these items even harder. Most do not bother to register their GPS units with the manufacturer or even write down the serial number. We encourage you to record the serial number of your GPS and to keep it handy. You can also register it with the Office of Public Safety by picking up a Personal Property Registration form at our office. The serial number will be recorded as well as any distinguishing features or engravings on the unit. We will keep a copy on file and you can also take a copy for your records. Many students have already registered items such as laptops, bikes and stereos with our office.

Please take precautions and do not leave any items visible in your vehicle when leaving it parked, especially GPS units and iPods. Remember, this is your campus, help us keep it safe.