GPS Theft

by **PlayaDelReyDave** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 5:19 pm

I had a GPS stolen out of my Solara recently. I was dumb, and had the GPS mounted in plain sight. Having bought a replacement, I've read alot online about GPS theft. It's been reported that having the mount visible is enough of a reason for a thief to break in. I'm wondering if this is true. I think if I remove the unit, and take it with me, this is likely to be enough of a deterrent that a thief won't break my window again, like happened early December. It's been widely reported that the ring on the windshield is a giveaway that you have a GPS in the car. Or having the mount on the windshield is a giveaway. Can anyone tell me, by PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, of a situation where they've had or know of a friend who has had their car broken into when they've only had the mount visible, or have only had the ring left by the mount, visible? I'm doubtful. Luckily, for me, at least they didn't cut the top. I'm thinking if I remove the GPS unit that ought to be good enough. Please share any experience you've had with this.

by **DriDed** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 5:29 pm

My dad has a GPS on his Accord but he takes it out when he doesn't use it. Lots of cars today come standard with GPS so I guess that would be a problem for lots of people.

by **1gSE** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 5:39 pm

I couldn't tell you from experience (my gps is my droid) but it makes sense. But then again...it could have happened for any reason...

by **timefourfood** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 7:09 pm

yea living in a city, things like this happen every now and then. it's not good to leave stuff visible out. I put my GPS and scanguage away each time I park. sometimes i'm even paranoid and lock it in the glove box. i guess the ring from the mount can be a giveaway too that it might be in the car, so i guess i should wipe it off each time. it sucks getting broken in, have to replace broken glass and belongings.

by **sahuddleston** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 7:31 pm

id say take the mount off as well for reasons mentioned above. that or invest in a killer alarm system.

by **mazen222** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 3:20 pm

For sure do not leave the mount visible. as you said, even the ring leftover mark on the glass is enough to say you have gps in the car.

my mom's had her car broken into 3 weeks ago. the ring left overmarks are visible, but luckly she doesnt keep the gps in the car.

tinted windows help a bit. i also heard that you can ask the gps company to lock stolen gps system it if you give them the s/n or something... im not sure of that but if it was to be true, it would piss off the theifts big time

by **Toy1mzfe** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 4:00 pm

Make sure the wipe the suction Ring after u take it down. BIG give away..

by **Taido** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 4:08 pm

sahuddleston wrote:id say take the mount off as well for reasons mentioned above. that or invest in a killer alarm system.

literally...

by **toytim** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 4:22 pm

Sorry to hear what happened, that sucks man! I always remove my GPS system from the car and take it in the house then wipe any marks off the glass. I never leave anything visible in the car, I'll throw it in the trunk or under the seat, I just don't trust anyone!!!
...out of sight out of mind! :wink:

by **SoSleek** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 7:14 pm

The suction cup and mount are both very dead giveaways. I'd say about %95 of all people remove their GPS from the mount every time they park. Out of that 95% It's likely that MAYBE 5% of those people take their GPS inside with them when they exit there car. With these rough estimates, this tells thieves that over 90% of all people with a suction cup mark, or a GPS mount on their window have a GPS SOMEWHERE in their car. Solution...Get the bean bag looking mount that sits on your dash. That leaves no mark and is easy to tuck away in your glove box. There is only one downside...it looks ghey! hahaha....the price you pay to deter thieves...this world is bogus. UGH! Sorry to hear bout your break in though, I hope you have better luck in the future.

by **solara90** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 9:54 pm

in wisconsin it is technically illegal to mount your gps to your windshield, but thats enforced about the same as j-walking.

Id say remove it completely and wipe the suction cup ring off with your hand.

by **ASG14** » Tue Dec 29, 2009 10:34 pm

Toy1mzfe wrote:Make sure the wipe the suction Ring after u take it down. BIG give away..

YUP! It's been reported JUST seeing the ring on the windshield form the GPS is enough of a reason to break in.

by **Midias** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 8:24 am

My wife hides hers with the mount in the arm rest every time and wipes the spot off.

by **jetbtkng** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 10:04 am

just put a thomas guide on the dash, they'll know theres nothing to steal in that car.............. :drinking:

GPS Theft

GPS Theft

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