Taking one simple security measure can help to reduce the chance of having to make a car insurance claim, West Yorkshire police have said.

Satnav systems have become one of the most popular targets for opportunist thieves in recent times and Detective Inspector Simon Atkinson is concerned that too many motorists are making life easy for criminals.

Leaving a satnav on display in an unattended vehicle, or even just leaving its cradle or leads on view, provides all the encouragement a thief needs to break in to a car.

The police officer recommended that drivers get into the habit of taking their satnav with them every time they park up, even if they will only be away from the car for a few minutes.

"It may be an extra hassle but having your window smashed and your satnav stolen will be a lot more hassle to sort out," he explained.

Parking the car in what appears to be a nice neighbourhood is obviously no defence against the thieves, as the warning came after a spate of vehicle crime in some of the more affluent suburbs of Leeds.

Thames Valley police recently issued similar advice to motorists following a number of thefts in the area, including one in which a satnav was taken from an ambulance.

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