MOTORISTS in Evesham are being warned to treat their plug-in satellite navigation systems as they would their mobile phones, stereos and laptops, by taking them with them when their vehicles are not in use.

The warning has been given by South Worcestershire Police who have issued statistics claiming five satellite navigation systems per month have been stolen on average in Wychavon, Malvern Hills, and Worcester since April 2005.

Systems worth more than £20,000 have been taken in 61 separate incidents. "The vast majority of them were left in vehicles on full view when for a few seconds care by their owners, they could have been taken out and kept secure," said Richard Bull of West Mercia Constabulary.

"Plug-in sat-nav systems are particularly easy items to steal as often they are left on display in vehicles, despite the ease with which owners could remove or conceal them.

"Unfortunately, many motorists still appear to believe that theft from a vehicle is something that happens to someone else and not them. Sadly, a number are discovering that this is not the case.

"Not only do they lose their sought-after navigation system, but they also face the inconvenience of getting their vehicle repaired, perhaps being without it for a period, possible increased insurance premiums and the shock and upset of someone targeting their vehicle and stealing their personal possessions."