POLICE are urging owners of cars with satellite navigation systems to hide the devices so they do not become a target for thieves.

The advice comes after a spate of thefts in recent weeks, most of them in the Middlesbrough area, where a dozen of the sophisticated devices have been taken.

The latest attempted theft was on Friday morning when thieves attempted to steal a satellite navigation system from a Mitsubishi Shogun in Gypsy Lane, Nunthorpe.

Thieves smashed the window and removed the system from its housing but it appears they were disturbed as they then left the device on the seat and ran off.

Detective Inspector Stuart Malcolm, head of the intelligence bureau at Cleveland Police, said the thefts were part of a nationwide trend that needed to be stopped.

"The problem is many systems are on show on a cradle that sits on a vehicle's dashboard - and that is simply a beacon to an opportunist thief," he said.

"Even if the machine itself is removed, the cradle is an attraction because the thief knows that in many cases the device itself may just be tucked under the seat."

He said this type of system was becoming more popular as the technology became more affordable.

"People are paying about £300 for these gadgets and all we are asking is that they spend a couple of minutes to ensure that, if possible, they are hidden away when the vehicle is parked and left," said Det Insp Malcolm.

He said that the cradle the device sits in should also be hidden, adding a "little bit of effort could spare an awful lot of grief and expense".

He said: "Remember, it takes only seconds for a thief to smash a window, grab what is on view and make a quick search. Don't put temptation in their way; put all valuables out of sight. If nothing is on show the opportunist thief will move on."