THREE vehicles parked in the Torrington car park at Tunbridge Wells were damaged when thieves smashed windows to gain access.

Each of the vehicles had some sign of a sat nav system on display. One of the cars had a suction mark from a base unit on the window. The other two had base units for sat navs on the dashboard.

The offences happened between 10.30am and 4.30pm on Tuesday. They cars targeted were a silver Renault Clio, a red Audi A5 and a silver Toyota Avensis.

In only one of the cars had the system been left in the glove box and this was stolen.

Apart from one of the base units nothing was stolen from the other two cars but there were clear signs that the offenders had searched the vehicles looking for items of value.

PC Andy Blackmore, of the crime reduction department, said: "These incidents clearly show how popular sat nav systems are with criminals.

"Our advice is that if you have a sat nav take it with you when you leave your car. But be aware that if you have a sat nav bracket or signs of one on your dashboard it will alert thieves to the fact that there may be a system hidden in the vehicle."

Anyone with any information about these incidents is asked to contact police on 01732 379217 (if possible quoting reference 8138) or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Callers to Crimestoppers do not have to leave their name.