MOTORISTS in the Kennington area of Ashford are being warned by police about a serial Sat-Nav thief who has struck 13 times since January.

More than £3,000 worth of satellite navigation equipment has been stolen from a number of roads. Most of the thefts have occurred in the early hours of the morning and at the following places:

January 18: Guernsey Way

February 15: Faversham Road

February 17-18: Dexter Close, Kennington

February 17-18: Guernsey Way

March 7: Tile Kiln Road

March 11-12: Clarke Crescent

March 22-23: Christopher Bushell Way

March 22-23: Angus Drive

March 24-25: Ball Lane

March 26: Grosvenor Road

March 30-31 Broadhurst Drive

March 31: Grosvenor Road

Police media spokesman Jon Green said: "In almost all of these cases the Sat Nav has clearly been seen on display, so police are advising the best way to reduce the risk of theft is to remove the Sat Nav and the cradle when leaving a vehicle unattended.

"This includes leaving the car while shopping or overnight on your driveway, even when going to the back of a car or van to make a delivery."

Det Insp Tara Mitchell said: “Thieves are opportunists and it only takes a minute to break into your vehicle and snatch any of your belongings on view.

"Theft and damage to vehicles is happening when owners have left their Sat Nav cradle attached to the windscreen or on the vehicle’s dashboard.

"Seeing this, thieves will break in to see if the equipment has been left in the vehicle or simple steal the cradle. From Sat Nav to spare change, if it’s on view, they will steal it.

Mr Green added: "The best advice is, don't leave anything in your car. Thieves will look under the seats, in the glove compartment and the boot."

"You can register items like Sat Nav, laptops and mobile phones and even cycles, free of charge at www.immobilise.com, so if it is stolen the police will have a better chance of identifying and returning it.

"Always shut and lock the doors, windows and sunroofs of your vehicle and activate any alarm systems.

"If you are considering buying a Sat Nav system consider a PDA (hand held) version that you can remove easily from the vehicle when it’s parked."

Anyone with information about who is committing car crime in the Kennington area is asked to call Kent Police on 01233 611055. Alternatively call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. This call is free, your anonymity is guaranteed and you could be eligible for a reward.