Gear

GPS: One More Reason to Break Into Your Car

NPR reminds us that GPS units, which were a surprisingly big item for Christmas giving, also present an attractive target to smash-and-grabbers. John Roman, a criminal justice researcher with the Urban Institute, says navigation units are the hot new alternative to car stereos for lowlifes looking for quick cash: [Thieves] probably have to steal six […]

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NPR reminds us that GPS units, which were a surprisingly big item for Christmas giving, also present an attractive target to smash-and-grabbers. John Roman, a criminal justice researcher with the Urban Institute, says navigation units are the hot new alternative to car stereos for lowlifes looking for quick cash:

[Thieves] probably have to steal six car radios to get the return from stealing a GPS...So for them, it's worth finding one.

Coming soon, maybe: GPS units that share location info with designated parties, allowing the unlucky or careless to track a stolen unit. Or a variation on those New York street-parker signs that says "No GPS!"

Police Seek to Crack Down on GPS Thefts[NPR]