Thieves Target Windshield Mounted GPS Units--Is Your RV Safe?

RVers have always been conscious of their security --but now high-tech gadgets are making us more attractive to the "smash and grab" crowd. Those handy (and not so cheap) windshield mounted GPS (global positioning satellite) receivers that help you find your way are getting a lot of attention from the bad guys.

Near Washington DC comes this report: Montgomery County, Maryland burglars made off with 620 portable navigation units from cars during the first 8 months of this year. That was far more than the 189 units stole in the entire previous year. Philadelphia, PA reports a similar surge in swipings--88 in the same 8 months, versus only 33 for 2006.

Taking the unit out of its cradle may not help. If a brazen burglar sees the cradle, it seems he's apt to figure you just hid the electronic receiver somewhere in your rig, and may smash his way in looking for it. Take the cradle off the windshield? That's an idea, but sadly, that leaves the telltale suction cup signature mark on the glass. Best thing to do? Take the unit and the cradle out of sight, and clean up any suction cup print that's been left behind--a babywipe does wonders.

Yes, you can use the "security code" to "lock out" the use of the unit. There's a little satisfaction in that, but it doesn't pay you back much for your loss and the time and trouble to get your damaged vehicle fixed.

Photo: Jimmy_Joe on Flickr.com