HAMPSHIRE drivers are being targeted by thieves determined to get their hands on hi-tech satellite navigation systems.

New figures show more than 120 vehicles fitted with SatNav equipment have been broken into in the Eastleigh, New Forest and Test Valley areas since the start of the year.

Almost 80 of the thefts or attempted thefts took place in Eastleigh borough, with 45 occurring in West End alone.

Now police are urging motorists not to leave expensive SatNav screens in their cars.

Crime prevention officer Ron Smith said: "Motorists should locks all doors and windows and close the sunroof when leaving their vehicles unattended.

"They should make a note of the make, model and serial number of their SatNav and keep the information somewhere safe.

"They should also mark the back of their SatNav with their postcode and house number using a UV pen or security marker."

Officers have issued the advice following what they describe as a "steady increase" in the number of SatNav thefts.

Figures for last month alone show there were 38 thefts or attempted thefts from vehicles in the Eastleigh, New Forest and Test Valley areas.