A POSTER campaign has been launched urging drivers in Hartlepool to take care of their Sat Nav’s this Christmas.

The Safer Hartlepool Partnership initiative is targeting existing owners and those who might receive systems as Christmas gifts.

The posters which have been put up in car parks and community venues, feature messages warning of the risk of leaving expensive systems in empty vehicles.

Drivers are being advised to not only remove systems from their vehicles but also wipe off tell-tale suctions rings from windscreens that might make a thief think that a system has been stowed away in a glove compartment.

PC Steve Cranston, Hartlepool Police Crime Prevention Officer, said: "With the sale of satellite navigation systems increasing at this time of the year it is important that we deliver this message to as many people as possible.

"Putting the posters up in car parks and other venues around the town helps to raise awareness and keep crime down across the town."

Drivers are also being urged to purchase special "nav mats" to which system cradles can be attached to instead of a car’s windscreen.

Hartlepool Crime Prevention Panel is selling the mats for £20 via Atkinson Print in Church Street.

Further crime prevention information is available by logging on to www.saferhartlepool.co.uk