STATE-of-the-art car radars which warn drivers that they are approaching a speed trap have become the latest "must steal" target for opportunist criminals, say South Worcestershire Police.

In a three-week period from Monday, January 3 to Monday, January 24, motorists reported eight thefts - or attempted thefts - of non-factory-fitted GPS laser/radar devices from their vehicles in Worcester and Droitwich.

"The manufacturers say that their latest product is easily transferable in seconds as it just plugs into the cigarette lighter and either mounts on the dash-board or windscreen," a police spokesman said.

He added that the manufacturers Blackspot say that from a security view-point in a parked vehicle, the device is small enough to fit into a pocket or glove box.

"This recent spate of vehicle crime specifically targeting retro-fitted GPS, laser and radar devices could have been avoided if the victims had made positive use of the equipment's easy removal benefits and not left them in full view of opportunist thieves to use them negatively.

"We would urge all motorists who own these systems to seriously consider how they can best protect what is proving to be the latest 'must steal' item for opportunist thieves."

When Blackspot is notified of a stolen unit, it simultaneously circulates information that it is missing and blocks its GPS signal - using its serial number - rendering it useless.

Thieves in New Year rampage

Thieves have targeted cars carrying the latest technological gadgets in Worcestershire over the last month.

A "Snooper" radar detector, Alpine navigation system and Alpine CD changer, CDs, bank cards, a wallet and a £100 pair of Rayban sun-glasses was taken from a silver Seat Leon in Bath Road, Broomhall, Worcester on Monday, January 3.

A "Road Angel" radar detector was taken from a green Audi A4 in Charles Dickens Close, Droitwich on Friday, January 14.

A "Snooper" device was dropped in an unsuccessful attempt to steal it from a black Ford Mondeo in Deal Crescent, Berkeley Pendlesham, near Worcester on Tuesday, January 18, but a £100 LG mobile phone was taken and £80 worth of damage caused to the vehicle.

The theft of a £400 "Road Angel", a £200 pair of Rayban sun-glasses and a £100 Nokia mobile phone, plus £100 worth of damage to a silver BMW 520, in Cartwright Avenue, Worcester between Wednesday, January 19 and Thursday, January 20.

Approximately £100 worth of damage was caused to a grey Nissan Primera in a failed attempt to steal a "Road Angel" in Bamburgh Crescent, Worcester on Thursday, January 20.

n A £400 "Snooper" was taken from - and £100 worth of damage caused to - a grey Saab 9-5 estate in Burdett Place, Worcester on Sunday, January 23.

A £50 cable for a "Teh" radar sensor was taken from - and £100 damage caused to - a blue Audi A2 in Great Oaty Gardens, Lyppard Hanford between Sunday, January 23 and Monday, January 24.