POLICE in Southampton are urging car owners who received satellite navigation equipment as Christmas presents to protect it from thieves.

Officers are bracing themselves for a rise in car crime following the holidays when smash and grab raids on cars increase, particularly when goods are left on show.

They are warning owners to ensure that hi-tech satellite navigation equipment and other valuables are not left in cars while they are parked outside homes and in car parks.

PC Kerri Loveless, a beat officer in Shirley, said: "Car owners can do a lot to help reduce the risk of becoming victims of crime, particularly by removing satellite navigation equipment from your vehicle every time you leave it.

"Remember to remove the associated equipment such as the cradle and leads. A thief cannot tell whether you have hidden the sat nav under your seat or in your glove box.

"Also try to wipe off the suction pad rings left on the windscreen. These alone can alert a thief to the fact that you own a sat nav that should also be marked with your postcode."

According to police in the city, Shirley is one of the worst-hit areas for vehicle crime, with work vans also being a favoured target.

For further advice, call the Crime Prevention Office on 0845 045 4545.