In recent months, Liverpool North Police have identified a significant increase in offences of theft from vehicles, targeting Satellite Navigation Systems. If you own one of these systems there are a number of steps that you can take to greatly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of this type of vehicle crime:

. Always remove your satellite navigation system, the cradle and associated wiring when leaving your vehicle.

. Take the system with you and place the cradle and wiring in the boot.

. Do not to leave the cradle and wiring, on display on the dashboard. This will alert thieves that you own a system and encourage them to break into your vehicle and search the glove compartment.

. If it uses a suction cup to fix to windscreen, remove it and clean off the mark as that is also a give-away.

. Never place the system in the glove compartment - it is the first place thieves will look. If you are unable to take it with you, make sure it is kept out of sight, in the boot of the vehicle.

. You should also register your Sat Nav on the www.immobilise.com website. This will enable the Police to identify the rightful owner of a system if it is recovered.

It is also a good idea to have your satellite navigation system security marked with your post code and house number, using an ultra violet marker pen. This will enable the Police to return it to you if it comes into their possession. You can call into any police station in Liverpool North to have this done.

If you require any further information on vehicle crime, you can visit the Home Office crime prevention website or call 0151 777 4671 and ask to speak to your Crime Prevention Officer.