GPS theft up 700 percent since 2006

The FBI has published a report about the most popular electronics stolen in the US last year. Laptops are the most desirable target, with 109,000 confirmed thefts. According to the report, only 18 percent of stolen laptops are returned to their rightful owner.

Phones are the next best thing, with about 80,000 thefts reported in 2008, a 33 percent increase from 2006. The third position is occupied by TVs, 53,000 units were reported stolen last year, a 130 percent increase compared to 2006. Many of the stolen TVs were LCD displays, because they're easier to carry than the old, bulkier CRT TVs.

GPS units held the fourth position with 24,700 units reported stolen in 2008, a 700 percent increase in just two years as only 3,700 GPS thefts were reported in 2006. Many people leave GPS units in their car in plain view and they're an easy target for thieves. It's advised to take your GPS unit with you, or hide it somewhere in your car.