b3GS
02-11-2008, 09:33 AM
a warning for those who have GPS units
apparently even leaving the suction cup on the window is enough :bang
http://www.thestar.com/article/302373
GPS systems easy to lose, hard to find
In-car devices latest lure for thieves on Toronto streets
Feb 11, 2008 04:30 AM
Linda Diebel
Staff Reporter
Here's a local club you don't want to join: its members are victims of the latest Toronto trend of stealing GPS devices from vehicles.
Colin Bowern became a member Saturday when a thief smashed the passenger-side window of his Volkswagen Jetta in High Park and made off with a portable navigation system purchased two months ago.
To make it worse, he said police told him it would be tough to track it. Say goodbye, Colin.
He apparently made it easier on thieves by not recording a separate registration number for his GPS, leaving thieves the option of erasing the serial number written into the software.
Bowern also felt frustrated when police told him they didn't have enough personnel Saturday night and to "call it in" yesterday morning. He argues "there should be more cops on the street."
"Are the criminals just going to get away with it?" asked Bowern. He estimates a cost of $1,000 to replace the GPS and car window but says it's not worth the risk of having it happen again. Bowern, an executive for a company that makes websites for rock stars, loved the little device that warned of high-traffic areas for his commute from Waterdown to the High Park area.
From police headquarters yesterday, Const. Norman Smart confirmed the growing trend, noting "they're being stolen more because they're easy to sell."
Smart advises motorists to remove the GPS and its suction cup when they get out of their vehicles because thieves spot them and break in to search under seats and in the glove compartment.
As far as Toronto thieves are concerned, "anything they can see is gone" – not only GPS systems.
But Bowern is convinced he was the victim of specialized thieves.
They ignored everything, including his stereo, to make off with the GPS – a sweet gadget that likely came in handy for their getaway.
apparently even leaving the suction cup on the window is enough :bang
http://www.thestar.com/article/302373
GPS systems easy to lose, hard to find
In-car devices latest lure for thieves on Toronto streets
Feb 11, 2008 04:30 AM
Linda Diebel
Staff Reporter
Here's a local club you don't want to join: its members are victims of the latest Toronto trend of stealing GPS devices from vehicles.
Colin Bowern became a member Saturday when a thief smashed the passenger-side window of his Volkswagen Jetta in High Park and made off with a portable navigation system purchased two months ago.
To make it worse, he said police told him it would be tough to track it. Say goodbye, Colin.
He apparently made it easier on thieves by not recording a separate registration number for his GPS, leaving thieves the option of erasing the serial number written into the software.
Bowern also felt frustrated when police told him they didn't have enough personnel Saturday night and to "call it in" yesterday morning. He argues "there should be more cops on the street."
"Are the criminals just going to get away with it?" asked Bowern. He estimates a cost of $1,000 to replace the GPS and car window but says it's not worth the risk of having it happen again. Bowern, an executive for a company that makes websites for rock stars, loved the little device that warned of high-traffic areas for his commute from Waterdown to the High Park area.
From police headquarters yesterday, Const. Norman Smart confirmed the growing trend, noting "they're being stolen more because they're easy to sell."
Smart advises motorists to remove the GPS and its suction cup when they get out of their vehicles because thieves spot them and break in to search under seats and in the glove compartment.
As far as Toronto thieves are concerned, "anything they can see is gone" – not only GPS systems.
But Bowern is convinced he was the victim of specialized thieves.
They ignored everything, including his stereo, to make off with the GPS – a sweet gadget that likely came in handy for their getaway.