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The investigation of a string of GPS device robberies has come to a close with four arrests. The robberies took place during November and December of 2010, all in Fairfax county. According to police, the robberies occurred in Franconia, Burke and Mount Vernon.

The alleged thieves include a 17-year-old Springfield teenager, whose identity could not be released due to age and 18-year-old Javier Melendez Ferman, also from Springfield. The other two alleged thieves are Angel Hernandez Molina, 19, from Alexandria and 21-year-old Gray Combs, also from Alexandria. Melendez Ferman was charged with possession of stolen property with intent to sell.

Hernandez Molina was charged with grand larceny and possession of stolen property with intent to resell. Combs was charged with grand larceny, intent to sell stolen property and felony destruction of property.

GPS device theft was a large problem in 2010 and there’s no sign of it slowing down in 2011. The most common place for the theft to occur is inside an automobile. It used to be that car stereos were the main attraction for car break-ins.

New advances in technology have added a wide variety of items that are easily and often stolen from automobiles. Among GPS devices, these items include iPods, cameras and cell phones.

One of the major draws to purchase items like a GPS device, is that they are so portable. Unfortunately, the portability of these devices makes them that much easier to steal. These items are also usually very valuable and easily resold.

During this latest investigation, police learned the routine these men used to break-in to vehicles. They looked inside cars in poorly lit areas, between midnight and 3am, for unlocked cars and cars with valuables inside. They would even look on windshields for suction cup marks, which usually indicates a GPS device is inside the car.

Police warn vehicle owners not to leave any valuables visible in the car, such as a GPS device, cell phone or camera. When possible, it is best to bring these items in with you and not leave them in the car. Never leave the car door unlocked or windows rolled down and make sure windshields are cleaned of evidence that there is a GPS device in the car.

Article Written by Marisa O’Connor