POLICE in east Kent are advising owners of in-car satellite navigation equipment to take it with them when they leave the car.

The warning comes as the number of car break-ins by thieves looking for the popular ‘sat nav’ systems has been increasing in Canterbury and Thanet.

In the past six months nine systems have been stolen from vehicles in Thanet and 10 from cars in Canterbury.

Acting Sgt Krista Hennessey said: “Leaving any equipment on display in your car could attract thieves but sat nav systems are currently the item of choice as they have a high resale value and are easy to carry away.

“Unfortunately some people are leaving them in their cars while they are parked up overnight or while they’re away from their cars shopping.

“To reduce the chance of becoming a victim of crime, take your sat nav with you whenever you leave your car. It is also a good idea to make sure that there are no telltale sucker marks on the windscreen that might suggest the equipment is in the glove compartment.”

Kent Police says that the best way to keep your car and the property carried in it safe is:

* Don’t leave things on display in your car. Take valuable items out of the vehicle altogether, mobile phones, cash and clothing are all very attractive to car thieves – remove the temptation.

* Make sure you have locked all your car windows, doors and boot. If you have an alarm, immobiliser or steering-wheel lock, use them.

* Lock your car - do it even if you are simply returning a trolley at the supermarket or paying for petrol.

* If you have a removable panel on your stereo, take it with you.

* Always try to park in a well-lit spot.

Never, ever leave your car key in the car when you are not in the driver’s seat.

* Have your car windows etched with the registration number. Windscreen replacement outlets can do this for you.

* Never leave your vehicle documents in your car. They could help a thief to sell it.

* If you park on a drive, consider buying a securing post to block the exit when your car is parked.

* Property mark belongings that might get left in your car, such as your stereo. You can do this with a UV pen or etching tool.