MOTORISTS are being asked to be sat-nav savvy and not leave their devices in the car.

The warning comes from West Mercia Constabulary who have seen a rise of more than 300 per cent in the number of thefts from unattended cars over the last few years.

Community safety of-ficer PC Taryn Green said the satellite navigation systems are the new must-have items for thieves who are finding them easy to sell on.

Mr Green said: "Sat-nav theft is a fast growing area of crime. More than 500 were stolen between April and November 2006, a 308 per cent increase on the same period in 2005, when 124 were stolen.

"This dramatic increase is due to the rising popularity of sat-nav systems and because the number of people who own them has grown considerably.

"This crime causes victims a great deal of hassle and expense. The equipment, which costs about £300 to buy, is worth £50-£70 to a thief when they sell it on illegally.

"Victims of sat-nav theft will end up having to repair the damage caused when their car is broken into, which could include replacing a window or repairing a door and of course, buying new sat nav equipment. Our advice to motorists is to take out not only the equipment but the cradle along with it and to remove the tell-tale sucker marks from the inside of the windscreen. Don't leave them in the glove compartment as thieves will check there if they decide to break into your car. Always take the equipment with you regardless where your car is parked."

Crime prevention advice is on the force website www.westmercia.police.uk and outlines how motorists can significantly reduce the chance of their vehicle being targeted.