MOTORISTS are being warned about an increase in car crimes with thieves stealing expensive satellite navigation systems.

Ninety seven systems have been stolen in Warrington so far this year.

And police say the only way to avoid someone breaking into an unattended car to steal your navigation system is to remove all evidence that you own one.

"Car crooks are just as keen to own one of these valuable items," said Phil Buckley, crime reduction advisor with Cheshire Police.

"They will think nothing of smashing your window and ripping the device from your dashboard causing considerable damage in the process.

And he urged motorists not to cut any corners, adding: "But don't think that your glovebox will be any safer.

"Thieves look out for tell tale clues so if you have a cradle that suctions onto the windscreen, remove it and rub off any marks that may be left."

He added: "If you have a portable satellite navigation system, make use of the fact that it's portable and take it with you and think about the possible clues you could be inadvertently leaving the thieves.

"Our advice is to remove everything associated with the device from your vehicle when it's unattended.

"It could save you an expensive bill of replacing the item and fixing the damage that has been done to your car."

Advisors recommend motorists use property marking pens on their satellite navigation systems so that if they are stolen and then recovered, Cheshire Police can return them to their owners.

Officers are also asking people to be wary of anyone selling new or second hand navigation systems on the street.