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Don't Let Your Nav System Lead Thieves to Your Home

by Grant Clauser on January 27, 2011

Thief picking front door lock Your GPS navigation unit could be your undoing. Recently, it has come to light that thieves have figured out that the GPS they’re stealing from (or with) your car usually includes directions back to your house. And if your car’s not home, there’s a chance that no one else is either. Couple that with a garage door opener—built-in or clipped to your visor—and all he or she would have to do is follow the directions home to rob you blind.

Here are some basic steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of being victimized by your own technology:

Make the "Home" address on your nav system an intersection near your home, but not your actual address.
If possible, don't leave your garage door opener in the car.
If your nav unit is portable, either do a good job of hiding it or don't leave it in the car.
If your GPS and garage door opener do get stolen, change the access code on your garage door right away.

Topics

Phones and Mobile, GPS Navigation, Travel & Entertainment, Car Tech & Safety, Home Safety & Security, Tips & How-Tos

Discussion

From JohnnyM on January 31, 2011 :: 2:54 pm

How is this different than the home address that is listed on the car registration form we all have to carry in the car?? That will lead potential thieves right to our front door, with a car that opens the garage, etc…..technology has not made us any less safe.

From expatinasia on September 14, 2011 :: 9:25 pm

You can use a PO Box on both your car registration and driver’s license. To prevent someone making a copy of your car key, use a piece of black tape or a blank piece of paper to cover up the VIN.

From Evelyn on January 31, 2011 :: 6:14 pm

I had a policeman tell me not to leave my registration in the car for that purpose, so mine is with me, and not left in the car. Women can do this easier than men, as they do have a purse.

From Eva on September 07, 2011 :: 11:42 am

I have never thought it was a good idea to leave any kind of personal information in the car, even “proof of insurance”, as it has the VIN #, I believe. I don’t think it’s required in Texas to leave it in the car. Just put your copy in your wallet or billfold. Police officer told me the same thing about the Garmin-type navigation systems.

From Ryan on September 12, 2011 :: 10:45 pm

Eva,
You really shouldn’t be concerned about the VIN being on the proof of insurance in your car. The VIN is visible from the outside of your car, and every other one on the road. Just look at the bottom corner of your front windshield on the driver’s side.