THE youth of the city are being asked to their bit to combat car crime in Southampton's streets.

Organisers of the city's successful Operation Cobra campaign want local schoolchildren to come up with a poster to highlight the problem of vehicle crime.

Youngsters have a chance to win one of two stylish bikes if their design is chosen to be displayed at car crime hot-spots across Southampton.

The competition is the latest car crime awareness project from Operation Cobra, a joint initiative between Hampshire police, Southampton City Council and the Daily Echo.

Launched in June 2000, the campaign aims to wipe out vehicle crime through police operations, enhanced patrols and increased surveillance, as well as encouraging the public to do their bit by stepping up security measures and not leaving valuables inside their cars.

Det Insp Derek Stubbington said: "The young people of Southampton have got an awful lot to offer adults in considering crime prevention."

The closing date is September 14. There are two age categories - one for children aged five to eight, and another for those between nine and 15. Winners in both age groups will receive a brand new bike courtesy of McDonald's Restaurants, who will also display the winning designs in their Southampton restaurants.

The boy or girl who comes up with the best design in the junior category will be able to choose between a Barbie, Sindy, Action Man or Dennis the Menace bike, worth up to £100.

Meanwhile the senior winner will be presented with a stylish Apollo mountain bike worth £130.

A McDonald's spokesman said: "McDonald's has always had a strong sense of social responsibility."

The lucky winners will also receive a head start from Halfords of West Quay, Southampton, who are chipping in with cycle helmets and security locks to go with the new bikes. Entrants can use felt tips, paints, pencils or anything they want to come up with a colour design to get the anti-vehicle crime message across.

Posters should be A4 size. Entrants should put their name, address, age and telephone number of the back of the design. Send them to the Operation Cobra competition, PO Box 543, Southampton, SO16 9ZQ. Usual Daily Echo rules apply.