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Five Most Stolen Gadgets

stolen gps devices

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.

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