POLICE in Maidstone have issued security advice to motorists following a recent spate of thefts from cars in the area.

A number of the incidents involved opportunist thieves who targeted vehicles with satellite navigation systems clearly on display.

John Grant, crime reduction officer for Maidstone police, stressed: “By taking a few simple steps people can prevent their vehicles from being a target and stop thieves from wandering around their neighbourhood on the look out for opportunities to steal their belongings.”

Police advice to motorists:

* If your Sat Nav is portable keep it safe by taking it, together with the support cradle and suction pads, with you when you leave the car

* Wipe away any suction pad marks left on the windscreen or dashboard, thieves will look out for this

* Don’t leave the equipment in the glove compartment - thieves will usually check there first

* Mark your satellite navigation equipment system with your postcode and house number or your vehicle registration number or another unique number, using special security markers

* Making a note of the make, model and serial number of the equipment and keeping the note somewhere safe (not in the car)

* Don’t leave anything on view in your car

* Lock all doors and windows, not forgetting the sunroof, when leaving your car

John Grant added: "Why should people property mark their belogings? The answer is that it serves several purposes. First, property that is marked is less desirable to a thief as it is harder for them to sell on.

"Second, if your property is stolen and it is marked, there is a greater chance that you will get it back.

"Finally, if a criminal is arrested with property that is marked it is easier for the police to prove that the property is stolen and charge the offender."