News 12 at 11, March 26, 2008

ACROSS THE AREA---GPS thefts are on the rise, thanks to their value and to owners leaving them out for thieves to see.

Someone broke into Rich Jeffries' car in his own driveway.

"I made a mistake and left my car unlocked and they stole the GPS out," he said.

And he's not the only one. Thefts of the navigation device are on the rise.

"They're popular gadgets, really caught up in a disappearing act," said Captain Steve Morris of the Columbia County Sheriff's Department.

Captain Steve Morris says they're disappearing because thieves are looking for them.

"Too many people are leaving these instruments in plain view," Morris said.

Crooks are more likely to try to get in a car with a GPS in it, than one that's empty inside.

And the item's price tag is another incentive for people to try to steal them. They can cost anywhere from $100 to over $800.

"Really these individual's that are stealing, are looking for anything of value," Morris said.

He says when they're looking for items, they're also looking for unlocked vehicles.

"Most of the time, if they're secured, that individual will move on down the road and look for an unlocked car or truck," he said.

A majority of vehicle break-ins happen when the doors are unlocked, Captain Morris says.

Some people feel so safe in their neighborhoods, they forget to lock them.

"In a nice neighborhood you don't think about things like that happening," Jeffries said.

But Captain Morris says it is something to think about, and if you don't want your navigation system to go missing, he has some directions for you.

"Secure your vehicle and take items and put them out of sight," he said.

And those directions are ones Jeffries will now be following.

"I think we'll just be more cautious from now on," he said.