GPS may give thieves an advantage!

How Safe are You? GPS technology could help criminals rob your home.

A thief can steal your car in as little as two minutes. A smash and grab robbery can happen in seconds. If your car has a GPS device with your home address programmed into it, a thief can rob your home too!

One recent story involved a car break-in at a local sporting event. The thieves targeted cars in the fan parking lot knowing the owners would be watching the big game. A window was smashed and some money, a portable GPS unit and a remote garage door opener were stolen. The thieves used the GPS system to guide them to the house. Then they used the remote control to open the garage door and gain entry to the house. Since the thieves knew what time the game was scheduled to finish, they had time to clean out the house.

Thieves are only interested in what's quick and easy. If you make it hard for them to break in, they'll just move on to the next target.

Tips for Your Car

• If you have a portable GPS system or remote garage door opener, hide them well or take them with you when you leave the car.
• If your GPS has a key or password lock, use it. If it doesn't, don't put your home address in it. Instead, program a nearby address (like a store or gas station) so you can still find your way home if you need to, but a thief can't find out where you live.

Tips for Your Home

• Lock your doors. Even the best locks can't protect you if you don'tuse them.
• Be seen and safe. Trim hedges and bushes so your home is visible from the street. Know your neighbours. Neighbours who look out for each other are among the best, and least expensive, defenses against crime.
• Keep it well lit. Make sure all outside entrances — front, back andside — have good lighting so burglars can't easily hide.
• Install a monitored alarm system. An alarm provides great protection against burglary and fire, but only if you use it.