POLICE have renewed their warning for motorists not to leave hi-tech equipment in their cars following the theft of 11 satellite navigation systems from vehicles in Rossendale.

An alert to motorists was issued after Christmas but, despite this, police say thousands of pounds worth of the hi-tech systems have already been stolen this year.

The latest incident involved thieves breaking into a Renault Kangoo, in New Hall Hey, Rawtenstall, on Monday between 12.50pm and 1.55pm, when a TomTom sat nav system, worth around £500, was stolen. Rossendale crime prevention officer PC Sally Atkinson said: "Satellite navigation systems are expensive to buy and are very attractive to thieves.

"Other equipment is still being stolen from cars, but we are seeing a new trend where thieves are specifically targeting cars with sat nav equipment. Even when people have hidden equipment in glove boxes, thieves have found it."

PC Atkinson added: "Most of these systems are portable. Our advice to motorists is to remove satellite navigation systems from their car when they leave the vehicle, and take the system with them."

She urged motorists not to simply try concealing sat nav systems.

"Please don't leave sat nav systems, or other expensive electrical items, in your glove compartment or boot this is the first place thieves look. Ideally, you should leave no hint to a prospective criminal that you may have valuable items in your car. Your glove box should be left empty and open and you should also remove, where possible, any holders or brackets that are used to attach expensive equipment to your car's interior as this could tell criminals there is something hidden in your car worth finding.

"Finally, make a note of serial numbers and consider postcoding your sat nav with a UV marker pen. That will help to ensure that if the system is stolen and recovered, it can be returned to its rightful owner."

For advice on preventing car crime, motorists can pick up a leaflet at police stations throughout the Valley.