GPS units targeted by thieves
An increase in theft from vehicles has plagued the campus over the past several weeks
Alexia Lang
Issue date: 11/9/09 Section: News
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The Crime Prevention office of the UMKC Police Department sent a campus-wide e-mail Oct. 27, explaining the types of thefts occurring and offering tips to avoid becoming a victim.
"The thefts are sporadic and typically occur during daylight hours," the e-mail said. "GPS (Global Positioning System) units seem to be the most targeted items, and they are usually still mounted on the dash or window.
However, even when owners remove them from the dash, the mounting bracket may provide incentive to the thieves."
Over the past three weeks, seven GPS units were stolen from cars parked on campus.
In many cases, the thieves broke car windows to retrieve the devices.
The e-mail also noted that with fewer hours of daylight during Central Standard Time and the holidays approaching, the national trend is toward an increase in crime.
Michele Taylor, UMKC Crime Prevention Officer, said the best way to avoid becoming a victim is by not leaving valuable items in the car.
"When you leave your vehicle, remove all items of value, including but not limited to: laptops, iPods, cash, GPS units, backpacks, etc.," she said. "When someone is looking for a vehicle to break into, they are looking for an easy target. If they do not see items of value easily accessible, they will likely move on to another vehicle."
For more crime prevention tips or to attend informational workshops, contact the Crime Prevention office at 816-392-5939 or visit www.umkc.edu/adminfinance/police.
alang@unews.com
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