Because GPS devices have made simple activities like driving much easier, the sale of these handheld units has exploded in recent years. Some 5.8 million personal navigation devices were sold in the U.S. in 2007, according to NPD Group. However, with that rise in sales comes the equally shocking rise in GPS theft. Like other techno-gadgets such as iPods and laptop computers, the pricey devices have become the newest target for criminals.

According to the FBI, as of late April 2008, 31,324 portable navigation devices had been reported stolen in the U.S. - a 12% increase since late February. And that number is only the ones that have been reported stolen, not the number of units that have actually been stolen, a much higher number.

The crime is particularly rampant in big cities - Houston saw such robberies triple last year to 1,303. "These thefts get reported every day," says Captain Don McKinney of the Houston Police Department. Similar cities like Boston, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago have reported tremendous rises in the theft of GPS units.

In addition to the theft itself, one of the problems cited with these crimes is the inability of Police Departments to return a GPS unit to its rightful owner if the device is recovered by Law Enforcement.

The majority of owners simply don't take the time to register the equipment with the company via the product warranty card or write down the serial number. As a result the Police have no clue who to return the unit to.

Recently, however, an American company has entered the scene to provide relief to GPS owners. JustStolen.net was developed by Police Officers to assist owners and Police Departments return lost or stolen valuables.

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