THIEVES are stealing satellite navigation systems from cars in Bolton at the rate of more than one per day, police have revealed.

During June and July, 72 motorists had valuable systems stolen from parked cars.

Police believe more cars may have been targeted by crooks in the belief that systems might have been hidden in glove compartments or under seats.

Officers today warned drivers to remove sat-nav systems from cars and said leaving behind cradles and rubber suction pads could make drivers a target for thieves who believe equipment may have been hidden in vehicles.

Motorists should also mark satellite navigation equipment with their personal details including postcode, house number or vehicle registration number.

A total of 32 systems were stolen during June and 40 in July. "With more drivers using these systems, we have seen quite a sharp increase in thefts over the last couple of years," said Sgt Ian Brammer.

"They are easy to steal and it appears they can be sold on quickly.

"Drivers need to make sure they are not an easy target by removing the system from show and preferably taking it with them along with the cradle and any other items which might alert thieves."

Sgt Brammer said officers were investigating how the stolen systems were being sold.

He warned that anybody buying sat-nav equipment in the knowledge or belief that the system was stolen would face charges for handling stolen goods.

A recent spate of thefts of sat-nav systems across Greater Manchester saw 1,250 systems stolen in 2005 and thieves wrecked a £2,000 system when they tried to snatch it from the cab of an ambulance as paramedics were treating a teenage girl who had collapsed in New Moston.