Theives Track GPS Units

Is this a case of "turnabout is fair play" or what? I blogged earlier about some California counties using GPS to track gang members after they’re released from prison. Well, this morning I opened my hometown paper (OK, I "opened" it in my web browser) to learn that in my neck of the woods thieves are tracking GPS units, and have started making off with them instead of expensive car stereos.

More than 50 dashboard-mounted Global Positioning System receivers have been stolen from parked cars in Alexandria and Arlington County since January, and police are urging motorists to hide the units, which range in price from $200 to nearly $3,000.

"It’s basically like leaving $700 in cash on the dashboard and asking someone to take it," said Mary Garrand, crime analyst for the Alexandria Police Department, who has noted about 25 stolen devices this year, mostly from Old Town.

Apparently increased demand for these gadgets among car owners has created increased demand among an unexpected demographic. Of course, if you leave your car unlocked or — as in one case — leave the top down, with your GPS unit attached to the dashboard with a piece of adhesive, you might expect to be relieved of it eventually.

[Detective Damon] Washington, one of several detectives who recently canvassed the hardest-hit areas in Arlington in search of suspects, said it comes down to this: "Don’t leave anything in your car that you’re not willing to lose."

It wasn’t long ago that car stereos started coming with removable faces, to ward off would-be thieves. Most GPS units — the dashboard variety, at least — are removable. So take it with you, or you might not be able to find it later.

If they ever catch the folks who’re heisting these GPS units, once they’re convicted and have served their sentences, I think they should be tracked via GPS upon their release. And nabbed if they come anywhere near a major parking lot. That’d be poetic justice. Dontcha think?