ATLANTA -- GPS units have become the hottest new item for thieves, police said Tuesday.

Sandy Springs Police Lt. Steve Rose said the navigation units are so popular they've replaced laptops as the favorite target for car break-ins.

The Global Positioning System units are valuable and pocket-sized. Better yet, police said, the units are often left out in plain sight, making it easier for thieves to find them.

Atlanta Police Maj. James Sellers began making public appearances to talk about the devices after his district in northeast Atlanta started averaging 10 GPS thefts a week, mostly from business and hotel parking lots.

Authorities said criminals prefer the portable units that are attached to the windshield because they are easier to steal than those hard-mounted into a dashboard.

And the majority of burglars won't break into cars unless they can see a GPS device or other valuables, police said.

The units sell for up to $100 secondhand.