Police: Remove GPS From Parked Cars

A Philadelphia Police officer representing Roxborough and Manayunk cautioned residents Monday at a civic association meeting against leaving global positioning system devices in parked cars.

Talking to members of the Wissahickon Neighbors Civic Association at Pilgrim Church in Manayunk, Officer Charles Kline said GPS theft is still a problem within the 5th District.

"The GPS thefts really are the major crime going on right now in our district. There is an occasional burglary, but the GPS thefts are No. 1," Kline said.

Within the past few weeks, 18 thefts have occurred, he said.

Whether cars are locked or not, the mapping devices out in the open are visible encouragement for theft. In addition to removing all electronics from vehicles, Kline offered additional advice.

"Lots of people are still leaving them in their cars—which is the main problem—but even if you remove them, you should wipe off the mark it leaves on the dashboard," Kline said, referring to the sticky circle left by the device's suction cup.

"People see the mark and think there's a GPS—whether it's there or not."

As always, people are reminded to lock their vehicles.