POLICE in Maidstone are working closely with local retailers as the theft of satellite navigation systems in and around the county town grows.

Since January, more than 100 systems have been stolen from cars in the area. In some weeks, thefts have been occurring at a rate of almost one a day.

Dan Clegg, police media and communications officer for Mid Kent, said: "We would like to reiterate that the theft of these systems can be easily prevented against and have been working with stores in the area to continue to deliver that message."

Dan Lewry, the store manager at Homebase in Maidstone, said: "Homebase is part of the Home Retail Group which also includes Argos so we sell a large number of satellite navigation systems to the public, both in our stores and online.

"We are keen to ensure that once a transaction has been made, the customer does not run the risk of having these expensive items taken from them.

"All customers need to do is follow a few simple guidelines and the risks of losing their Sat Navs will significantly decrease."

Arun Brennand, an in-car specialist of Halfords at Aylesford, said: "We always advise our customers how they can prevent against having their Sat Navs stolen but it is surprising how many have to return to buy second units because theirs have been taken. The advice we give is really all common sense but we know how effective it can be if people follow it."

Crime reduction officer John Grant said: "Removing these items from vehicles when not in use, as well as removing the support cradles used to hold Sat Navs, is the most effective way of preventing theft.

"It is also important to wipe away any suction pad marks left on the windscreen or dashboard, which can indicate to thieves that a SatNav might be inside the vehicle.

Putting items in the glove compartment is not always safe either as thieves will often check there first.

"The best prevention method is never leave these items in your vehicle."

Other measures include:

* Mark your satellite navigation equipment system or any other valuable items with your postcode and house number or your vehicle registration number or another unique number, using special security markers.

* Make a note of the make, model and serial number of the equipment and keep the note somewhere safe i.e. not in the car. Consider recording this information on one of the commercially available asset registers.

* Lock all doors and windows, not forgetting the sunroof, when leaving your car.

* Never leave the keys in the ignition when the car is unattended, even while you’re paying for petrol.

* Use car parks that are part of the police-approved Safer Parking Scheme.

Supt Steve Corbishley said: "This is all very practical advice and though it might seem like common sense, I do encourage everyone to follow it.

"Sat Navs are hot property around the town at the moment and I want to ensure that we make it as hard as possible for thieves to continue to get their hands on them."