A teenager's anti-crime poster has been credited with a 38 % cut in the number of thefts of Sat Navs.
In the eight weeks following the launch of a poster campaign featuring the design by Rachael Scott (17), theft went from 11 per week to three. The distinctive yellow poster warning motorists to guard their gadgets was displayed in town centres and car parks in Hillingdon - and is now also being used in Ealing borough.
Postcards with the design on were also delivered to homes in hotspot areas and are now being given out in some shops.
Rachael, of Hayes, who is taking a BTEC National Diploma in Graphic Design at Uxbridge College, created the poster for a competition run by Hillingdon Police at the College in Park Road, Uxbridge.
Crime Prevention Officer Mike Smooker from Hillingdon Police said: "This was a very successful project. The immediate effect was a reduction in the theft of Sat Navs of some 38%. Rachael's design was effective and eyecatching and worked well. It was so good that Ealing borough approached us and asked to use the design for a similar project. I hope we will be able to work with Uxbridge College on other issues in future."
Rachael, who is considering becoming a web designer, said: "When I first designed it I certainly didn't think it was going to be so widely used - it is a bit of a shock to see it everywhere! I surprised myself, I didn't think it would be picked."
The campaign was launched in mid-July and led to the immediate drop - however theft rates of Sat Navs are now creeping up and police advise motorists to be vigilant.