POLICE launched a 'sting' operation with a satellite navigation system left on the dashboard of a parked car.

But a defence solicitor questioned the £1,800 valuation police had placed on the system and said it seemed strange they would risk something so expensive.

Rachael Adamson told Blackburn magistrates her client identified the system as a Tom Tom 300 Go.

"He says it was worth between £200 and £300," said Miss Adamson. "I'm not aware of a satellite navigation system that costs the sort of money the police are talking about."

Keiran Chatburn, 28, of Hamlet Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to theft of a satellite navigation system belonging to Lancashire Constabulary. He was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.

Pat Bramley, prosecuting, said the satnav system had been left in a parked car which was covered by closed circuit TV.

The footage showed Chatburn approaching the car at 6.50 pm and remove the system.

"The item hasn't been recovered and there is a claim for £1,800 compensation, although I am aware that value is in dispute," said Miss Bramley.

Miss Adamson said the idea of a sting' operation was to entice someone like Keiran Chatburn to commit an offence.

"The vehicle was covered by CCTV, officers were not waiting to make an immediate arrest, and obviously there was a high risk the item would not be recovered," said Miss Adamson. "I find it strange the police would risk something of this value when there was a chance they wouldn't recover it."