Police probe after 17 cars stolen from cruise parking facility in Southampton

A police investigation is under way after 17 vehicles belonging to cruise passengers were stolen from a Southampton parking facility overnight, Hampshire Constabulary said Wednesday. Victims had returned from holidays to find their cars missing. The thefts occurred at Southampton Cruise Parking Services on First Avenue, between the evening of September 9 and the early hours of September 10, with officers called at about 7:40 a.m. on September 10.

Detective Constable Edward Smith, who is leading the inquiry, said: '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.' He added: 'We continue to progress several lines of inquiry, 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.'

The investigation team is working closely with the company operating the site, Southampton Cruise Parking Services, and local partners to secure all available evidence. Officers are reviewing access logs and nearby CCTV, and detectives are pursuing multiple leads as the inquiry progresses.

The force has urged anyone with information or CCTV footage from the area to contact Hampshire Constabulary or Crimestoppers. The incident is being treated as a major property theft investigation, with police coordinating with cruise operators and local authorities to minimize disruption for travelers.

The thefts occurred at a dedicated parking facility used by cruise passengers in Southampton, a city that serves as a major hub for cruise traffic. The case highlights the risks associated with long-term parking arrangements for travelers and the importance of robust security measures at port-side facilities as investigators sift through evidence and work to identify those responsible.