Five Most Stolen Gadgets
GPS Devices
The gadget that has seen one of the largest increases in theft the portable GPS system. Small, valuable, and easy to spot in unattended vehicles, these devices are getting snatched up because they're often easy to resell for around $100 a piece. Many of them are resold in secondhand electronics stores, sometimes in contraband packaging as new or slightly used. In fact, many areas are reporting over 100% increases in the amount of stolen GPS systems. Montgomery County, Maryland even had an increase of 328%, from 189 in 2006 to 620 in 2007.
Hot to prevent theft (or minimize the consequences of theft):
- Remove the device as well as the mount each time you park. The mounts serve as notice to criminals that the device is most likely in the car.
- Use a friction mount rather than a suction cup mount. Suction cup mounts leave an obvious smudge on your windshield and are more difficult to remove and reattach.
- If you insist on using suction cups, try to wipe away the ring residue on the glass.
- Again, GadgetTrak offers software for this.
- Record your serial number and use a password. Not highly effective, but it can help.
- Don't leave your windows open. Do we need to repeat that?
- Car alarms. No brainer.
- Go old school and buy a road map.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Diane @ Feb 1st 2008 7:19AM
A Garmin doesn't need to be attached to the window to work. Before I leave my car, I put the Garmin in its bag and stick the bag in the console between the seats. The car is always locked when not in use so even if it is broken in to, the thief would have to look for awhile.
Cara @ Feb 1st 2008 9:39AM
I have a tom tom and for like 20 bucks you can buy a case so you can take it anywhere with you and just throw it in the purse or briefcase. And then you can use when you with someone else not in your car!!!
Sebastian Papa @ Feb 1st 2008 9:41AM
I use a dashboard mount for my Garmin 660 & always remove it, when I park my car.
Eddie @ Feb 1st 2008 9:45AM
Some of these devices can be password protected. A password must be used every time the device is turned on. A stolen device is harder to use when you do not know the password. You also DO NOT want to use your actual home address with "Home feature". A device that is left on, hacked or cannot be password protected (i.e. devices built into the vehicle) will take thieves straight to your home, literally, from wherever they are. Use a nearby address, gas station near your home, or even your local postal zip code. Under normal circumstances, finding your way "home" is simple once you are in your "neck of the woods".
Courtney @ Feb 1st 2008 10:56AM
My boyfriend got his 2006 Jeep Liberty broken into last summer as we were doing an Alzheimers Walk. They stole his Garmin 660 - Ipod - and my friends purse. Amazingly, his brand new lap top was in the back seat and they didn't take it. But the back window was broken out and some external damage. Thank god the Garmin had a lock on it but who knows what they did with it.
Mikal @ Feb 1st 2008 11:49AM
I use the TomTom 6 Navigator Edition for my smartphone. So since the TomTom IS my phone, it's always with me, like any other person would always have their phone with them.
Terry @ Feb 4th 2008 9:24AM
I just put a small piece of velcro and the back and on the mirror cover on the passenger and stick it there...u dont need to see the screen just follow the voice prompts..
01.laura.01 @ Jun 14th 2008 3:57AM
Got this from www.OgleOodles.com they have several GPS to choose from, but I did not like the small screen. While driving its hard to glance at it. Nice gadtet to have in the car or fathers day gift. I need a largeer screen. Guess its time for a new car. Going Green!