Portable GPS Thefts

Nassau County Police Commissioner Lawrence W. Mulvey urges Nassau County residents to make a concerted effort to deter would-be thieves from stealing their portable GPS devices by removing these items that mount on a vehicle's windshield or dashboard whenever their vehicles will be left unattended.

The Nassau County Police Department is reporting a dramatic increase in reported larcenies of these devices. In January 2008, 211 portable GPS devices were reported stolen. This is an increase compared to the 44 reported stolen in January of 2007.

Many of the these GPS systems are stolen during the over night hours while a resident's vehicle is parked in the driveway or street directly in front of their homes. Others are being stolen from commercial lots. Thieves are looking for anyone who leaves these electronic devices still mounted on the windshield or in some cases other evidence that indicates the vehicle possesses such a portable device such as a mounting bracket or remnants from the suction cup that secures the mounting bracket.

By taking the few seconds to properly secure your property from a potential thief, you can better protect and safeguard your community from criminals. In addition, if you see anything suspicious, please call 911.