Combating Vehicle Crime in Portsmouth

For the last three years the vehicle crime reduction strategy in Portsmouth has been Operation Cobra (renamed Safer Vehicles in January 2005).  The principle behind Cobra is that car crime is not random and everywhere.  Crime happens for a reason and understanding that reason is the key to reducing it.

This approach saw vehicle crime reduced by adopting Problem Solving. This resulted in a 29% reduction in crimes comprised of over 1200 victims and over 500 fewer streets.

Operation Cobra works by looking at the Victim/Location/Offender triangle and adopting the correct reactive course to each level.  The numbers of crimes that occur in each street over a twelve month period are logged and a threshold set for triggering action at each level.

Level 1 (Victim) Research has shown the biggest attraction for a thief is property on view.  Street signs, posters in local shops and Community Centres and media advertising are aimed at persuading car owners to clear their vehicles of belongings when leaving them parked.  Even down to sunglasses and small change.

Level 2 (Location) Why is one street being targeted yet not another that appears similar not targeted? A survey of the location may show inadequate lighting, insufficient or badly positioned CCTV cameras.  It may be as simple as reducing or removing hedges and foliage to improve line of sight surveillance.

Level 3 (Offender) Car thieves do not move far to commit crime.  We identify known car criminals who live in or adjacent to the area identified as a car crime hot spot.  Uniformed police and plain clothes squads are supplied with details of What and Where for them to come up with the Who.  The known offenders are then targeted for arrest.

Between 2003 and 2004 vehicle crime in Portsmouth was driven down by 29% using Operation Cobra. It worked by a combination of public cooperation with crime reduction advice and intelligence driven directed policing of vehicle crime hot spots.

Hampshire Constabulary website:

If you want to report a crime please telephone Hampshire Constabulary on 0845 045 45 45.  In an emergency only please dial 999

Don't leave your belongings on display and you won't have to pay. Most vehicle crime is opportunist. If you leave your valuables in clear view when you park, your car could become a cash-point for a criminal.

In particular, remove part satellite navigation systems and take removable car stereo fronts with you-don't hide them in your car.

Always try and park your car in an attended car park. Look for a public car park which is part of the police-approved Secured Car Parks scheme-in Portsmouth these are at Gunwharf car park, the Ferry Port and in Isambard Brunel Road.