NJCU Public Safety

GPS Theft Prevention Tips

With the start of the semester and students back on campus, the NJCU Public Safety Department is providing safety tips to ensure the University Community don’t get their vehicles broken into. All auto break-ins usually have one thing in common: there's something left in the car worth stealing. One of the “Hottest” items that thieves are targeting both locally and nationally is the GPS system in your vehicle. It's very simple police say:” if you leave a GPS system in your car, the chances are it will be stolen”. Here are few tips to prevent your satellite navigation system from being taken.

If your vehicle is stolen or property is taken from the vehicle there are number of things you can and should do:

· Call the Public Safety Department. Provide a complete description of the items taken. Also provide license plate number, make a model of vehicle, year and color.

· Etch your driver's license number on all removable valuable items. Items such as audio equipment.

· Don't leave your driver's license or title in the vehicle.

· Keep a record of the VIN number, License plate number, and insurance information in your wallet or purse.

· Install a vehicle tracking and location system that can be activated after the vehicle is reported as stolen.

Hide your GPS device
Think of a GPS device as an invisible eye, one that can help you see but one that need not be seen by others. Don't leave it in plain sight because the majority of thefts occur because someone sees that it is there for the taking. Mounting the GPS device on your dashboard keeps the GPS unit out of sight.

Take it when you leave
Also opt to take the GPS device with you when you exit your car. That may or may not be cumbersome depending on what else you have to carry, but you will know the GPS device is with you.

Wipe away the evidence
If your GPS device has suction cups to adhere it to the windshield, the rings left by the suction cups advertise the presence of a GPS device. Even if you take it with you, someone may vandalize your car in search of a GPS device after seeing the rings left by the suction cups. You can keep towelettes on hand to wipe away these rings.