Soccer fans targeted by car sat-nav thieves

FANS at Huddersfield Town home games are being targeted by thieves who break into cars for satellite navigation systems.

Shoppers who park in the town centre are also easy pickings for smash-and-grab thieves, say police.

Since February 60 sat-navs have been stolen in the Huddersfield south area, which includes the Newsome, Dalton and Almondbury areas.

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Two men from Huddersfield, aged 33 and 26, were arrested last week after three cars were broken into in the town centre. They were bailed pending further inquiries.

Sgt John McFadzean of the Huddersfield South Neighbourhood Policing Team says simple preventative measures can significantly reduce these incidents.

He said: "Although the police do all they can to catch those responsible, prevention is ultimately better than cure. Vehicles are being broken in to because people are leaving satellite navigation systems and their holders on view. Satellite navigation systems are still expensive to buy in the shops and as such are a valuable commodity for thieves.

"If a thief sees a component part of a sat-nav on display in a vehicle, they will break in on the assumption the system itself is in the glove box. It is therefore important to remove the holder and charger and also to wipe tell-tale suction or dust marks off the windscreen and dash.

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"Even leaving your cigarette lighter out of its socket can be an indication to the thief that a sat-nav could be in the vehicle.

"If you do find that your sat-nav system has been stolen, try ringing the makers to see if you can get the signal cancelled.

"As the warmer weather comes upon us, it can be a popular time for car thieves, who take advantage of windows being left open or convertible roofs left down."

he added: "While further inquiries are continuing into these and other crimes, the Huddersfield South NPT ask that everyone be vigilant when leaving their cars. Please, don't get caught out and ensure that your vehicle is secure and that all property is out of sight."

If you suspect that someone is in possession of a stolen satellite navigation system contact police on 0845 6060606 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.