Wiping out the satnav thieves with a yellow duster

Police are handing out thousands to motorists with satellite navigation systems - so they can wipe away the tell-tale sucker marks left on their windscreens.

Gloucestershire detectives said thieves target cars which have the marks, in the hope of finding a satnav hidden in the glovebox.

The force has ordered 2,500 yellow dusters, which will be handed out by Community Support Officers to drivers with satnavs.

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They will also be stocked by retailers who sell the navigation systems.

A police spokesman said: "Satnav crime is quite a problem for us in Gloucestershire and since 2005 the number of satnav thefts has risen by 75 per cent."

In 2005, six satnav thefts were reported to the police - but in a single week this May more than 18 were stolen.

Crime Reduction Officer Paul Francis said: "One of the easiest ways to crime-proof your car and stop your expensive navigation system from being stolen is to remove the equipment altogether but also to wipe off the sucker mark left on the windscreen.

"The sucker mark can act as a beacon to thieves and they will target your car on the assumption that a satnav has been left in the glovebox.

"So even if you have removed the device you will still be left with a smashed window to replace - which is hugely inconvenient."

Mr Francis added: "By giving out theses dusters we hope that people will heed our advice and not be a sucker to car crime."

The dusters are printed with the following message: "Whenever you park your car, if you have expensive equipment - particularly satnavs or PDAs - especially those you put on the windscreen, always clean the sucker ring with this handy duster and take the equipment with you.

"You will be helping to fight car crime."