How to avoid GPS theft?

 

My GPS got recently stolen; Window broken and unit pulled out.

My new Garmin C550 has an anti-theft lock built in. Do thiefs know which GPS's have this built in? Aren't they still going to steal the unit and then find out they can't use it? My unit comes with 2 Garmin windows stickers showing anti-theft GPS on them. Don't know if this is going to help or just advertise that there is a GPS in the car.

I was told by the glass replacement company that GPS theft is big and it's best to take the mount off the dash since thiefs aren't stupid. They know you put it under the seat.

I've always thought the

I've always thought the windshield mounts were open invitations for someone to break in your car. I've used a weighted dash mount for the last year or so and I can remove everything from dash in a couple of seconds. Easy to put mount and all in the trunk. I know they make these type mounts for Garmin and Magellan but don't know if they do for other brands.

Charlie

Even if you remove the

Even if you remove the suction cup mount from the windshield (highly recommended so it doesn't WELD itself up there), there are still rings which can be a sure fire giveaway.

I take down the mount, and put the GPS in the stuff I carry in with me. That way, on the off chance that Garmin puts out an update, I'm ready to go.

Joe
His Doghouse Too
Nuvi 660

I'm a retired police

I'm a retired police detective and have found some people are lazy by leaving items in plain view and allowing the thieves to remove their items. YES a mount attached to the windshield does mean you have something that they want. Unless you have a very dirty windshield, it won't leave a "ring" any thief will pay attention to, remember he wants to "hit" and get away as soon as possible without being seen.

I just take the NUVI with me

artofc wrote:

I'm a retired police detective and have found some people are lazy by leaving items in plain view and allowing the thieves to remove their items. YES a mount attached to the windshield does mean you have something that they want. Unless you have a very dirty windshield, it won't leave a "ring" any thief will pay attention to, remember he wants to "hit" and get away as soon as possible without being seen.

I live in NYC and leave the suction mount on the window and take the unit with me.

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"Ceterum autem censeo, Carthaginem esse delendam" “When governments fear the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.”

I usually leave the suction

I usually leave the suction mount on the window and take the unit with me. In the event that I remove the suction mount, any rings left on the window are very difficult to discern without drawing attention to one's self in the difficult and time consuming task of trying to dect them. I also mount the suction very high on my windshield where the tint is very heavy and use a windshield sunshade, both making the mount and/or unit somewhat disguised and difficult to see. In the end though, the only sure way to avoid theft is to take the the unit with you!

Suction Mount

matandch wrote:

I usually leave the suction mount on the window and take the unit with me. In the event that I remove the suction mount, any rings left on the window are very difficult to discern without drawing attention to one's self in the difficult and time consuming task of trying to dect them. I also mount the suction very high on my windshield where the tint is very heavy and use a windshield sunshade, both making the mount and/or unit somewhat disguised and difficult to see. In the end though, the only sure way to avoid theft is to take the the unit with you!

Common sense folks....if your going into an area that is known as being unsafe, remember that you can stop before you get to your final destination and put your unit away. You pull up and no one sees anything.
...and I sure wouldn't leave the mount on the windshield. Even though the GPS isn't in the vehicle, the thief doesn't know that. He doesn't get the GPS but he sure just messed up your vehicle by breaking your window and rummaging through everything inside. Don't need the anguish. Be smart....most criminals aren't.

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******************Garmin Nüvi 1300T****************Member 6523*******************