Your Car's Glove Box: Not an Impenetrable Fortress

A warning from Arlington Police:

The Arlington County Police Department is investigating a significant increase in larcenies from autos. Thieves are targeting portable electronic devices left in vehicles, including GPS units and iPods, and police are urging residents to take steps to help prevent the crimes.

“I tell people, if you don’t want to lose it, don’t leave it in your car.” Says Detective Damon Washington, a member of Arlington’s Auto Theft Unit.

Portable GPS devices, in particular, are very popular with criminals these days. 150 GPS units were reported stolen in Arlington in 2007, a significant increase from 2006 when approximately 36 units were taken. Already, in just the first two months of 2008, thieves have taken more than 100 GPS units from vehicles in Arlington.

Let's be honest - putting your GPS in your glove box is like putting your wallet in your shoe when you're at the beach. It might make you feel a little better, but you're not fooling anybody.

As Det. Washington says, there's only one fail-safe way to protect your stuff, and that's to take it with you. In addition, you should use a micro fiber cloth or moist towelette to wipe away suction cup marks on the windshield. Even if your GPS isn't in the car, a potential thief could still see the marks and smash your window.