GPS units are very popular. Stroll through any parking lot. You’ll probably see those little boxes hanging on several windshields. Well, thieves are taking that same stroll. And to them, GPS units look like quick paydays.

GPS thefts are growing. That shouldn’t be surprising. GPS units are small, portable and worth hundreds of dollars. If left in your car, the only thing protecting it is glass. GPS units really pay off quickly for criminals.

Take it with you

You can protect your GPS unit. Most important: When you leave the car, take it with you. Newer GPS units are small. Most easily fit in a purse or large jacket pocket.

You also need to remove the unit’s dashboard or windshield mount. You may even want to wipe off suction cup marks. Many people throw GPS units under the seat or in the glove box. Thieves know this. They look for evidence of a GPS unit. If you take the GPS unit, they won't get it. But if you leave the mount, you might get a broken window.

These steps are key to foiling thieves. But everyone forgets. So, be prepared for a theft. Register the GPS with the manufacturer. And record the serial number for your records. Make it easy for the police to return your unit.

Find a stolen GPS

Some people think GPS can be used to track a stolen unit. But most consumer units do not transmit their location. They are simply receivers. There are exceptions. But these are usually units sold to businesses, like trucking companies.
GadgetTrak, a tracking service, might help. You load the tracking program on your GPS unit. If it is stolen, you activate tracking through the Web site. If the unit is connected to a computer, it will transmit information. The computer must be hooked up to the Internet.

You’ll receive information about the thief's computer. That will include its Internet Protocol address, along with the Internet service provider's name, city and state. The police can use this information to track the thief.

GadgetTrak charges $13 per year for tracking on one device. It’s compatible with a handful of popular GPS units. So, be sure to check the supported devices page.

Register a stolen unit

Stolen GPS units can be registered with Trace, a theft database. First, you must report a stolen device to the police. Then you can add a report to the database. Police agencies can check recovered property against the database. They’ll most likely search by serial number. The report will give them your contact information.

Thieves like stealing GPS units. They may be more appealing than other gadgets. Some gadgets, like laptops, can be password protected. GPS units usually are completely functional. They are easier to sell.

Your GPS unit may have a password or PIN feature. They force you to log in before using the GPS. That may make the unit harder to sell. A password or PIN won’t stop someone from stealing it. But why make a thief's job easier?