A Southampton cruise parking firm has told customers it is 'deeply concerned' and is strengthening its security after 17 vehicles were stolen while customers were on holiday.
The cars were taken overnight between September 9 and 10 with police immediately launching an investigation.
Seven of the stolen vehicles have since been recovered by Hampshire police.
Southampton Cruise Parking Services, which operates from a unit in First Avenue, Millbrook, said it is working with police as the investigation continues.
In a statement issued today, September 26, Southampton Cruise Parking said its priority was to support those affected.
A spokesperson for the firm said: “We are deeply concerned by the theft of vehicles from our Southampton car park and understand the distress this has caused to our customers returning from their holidays.
“Our priority from the moment this incident came to light has been to support those affected. We have ensured that all impacted customers were assisted in getting home or reunited with their vehicles as quickly as possible.
“Since the incident, we have appointed specialist security consultants to strengthen our security arrangements and to provide additional reassurance to our customers.
“We are working in full cooperation with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary - this process has already helped recover stolen vehicles. We remain in close contact with the police as their investigation continues.”
Signs outside the unit state the site is “under 24-hour surveillance” and warn that vehicles are left “at owners’ sole risk”.
Detective Constable Edward Smith, who is leading the inquiry, previously told the Echo: “We don’t underestimate the significant impact this incident has had on the victims, who have returned from their holidays to discover their car stolen.
“We continue to progress several lines of enquiry, including a full review of CCTV from the scene and surrounding areas. I am pleased to say that this work has already led to the recovery of six of the vehicles and those owners have been updated with the good news.”
Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 101 quoting reference 44250409694.
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