Theft and the GPS

What type of precautions can/should I take, when I live in a city and I want to purchase the Garmin III+ but I don't want it stolen. What can I do? I mean, I want to mount it on my dash, but what could I do to keep someone from breaking the glass and taking it anyway?

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Eric Miller
University of Chicago
Also from southwest MO.

Put it in your glove box or take it with you.

They mount via velcro, suction cups and the like for that reason, among others - like taking the unit inside to a PC, out on a hike, etc.

Don't give anyone a reason to break into your X! Don't even leave a NICKEL on the seat.

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2001 Solar Yellow SE 4x4 V6 5spd

Being in the South Side of Chicago, and the fact that my friend just got everything taken out of his car, I will be very, very, careful with my X.

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Eric Miller
University of Chicago
Also from southwest MO.

You could buy a pitbull and chain him to your X. Nothing in this world scares me more than a snarling pitbull.

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Definitely lock it up in the glove box, take it with you, or hide it under a mat or towel or something. I can't imagine having mine bolted to the dash. That just screams "STEAL ME!" I use little suctions that work great.

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01 SE 4x4
Silver Ice

Aren't there bolt on mounts that the unit can just slip in and out of, there must be, surely.

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Eric Miller
University of Chicago
Also from southwest MO.

Eric -

Check out these mounts:
http://www.tvnav.com/rammount.html

There should be something to suit your needs.

dave and Xtoy - and tvnav is a good vendor too

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Funny you should mention the pitbull thing. When I lived in FL, I worked for the Army veterinarian. One day he was at the beach and his Jeep got broken into - they rammed a screwdriver into the lock. Anyway, one fo the dog handlers suggested that he take one of the military working dogs - one in particular had a very bad attitude - and place it in the truck as a security device. Nothing like a furry alligator to deter even the most hard core thief.

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'00 SE 4x4

Perfect man, thanks a lot.

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Eric Miller
University of Chicago
Also from southwest MO.

Just a bit of information - GPS antennas need to see 'sky' - usually thru the windshield. The placement possible with some aftermarket mounts could reduce the sky view. An external antenna such as: http://shop.garmin.com/accessory.jsp?sku=010-10052-04

mounted on the roof is a solution. The improved reception yields better location accuracy.
dave and Xtoy - in a smaller circle

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This will keep them away...




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Regards,
Ian