A MAJOR blitz on car thieves who plague Southampton motorists is expanding out of the city.

Just over a year after its launch, the high profile Operation Cobra campaign has been adopted in Eastleigh.

The crackdown will continue to focus on ridding both areas of one of the police's biggest headaches - vehicle crime.

Undercover surveillance and enhanced patrols have already been used in Southampton to deter car criminals.

The scheme, a joint initiative between Southampton police, Southampton City Council and the Daily Echo, also aims to raise public awareness of vehicle crime.

Motorists are urged to pick up a free laminated card to display in their windscreen to show potential thieves there is nothing of value inside.

Now Eastleigh has also declared war on car thieves - and organisers hope the scheme can eventually be expanded countywide.

The new Eastleigh blitz was launched at the town's recent Wheels motor show, which was held at the University Sports Ground.

Crime reduction officer Barbara White said: "We have joined forces in the fight against car crime.

"Initially the Cobra initiative was instigated by Southampton. However, in an attempt to tackle crime together the logo has been adopted by Eastleigh too."

More than 2,500 laminated warning cards to deter car thieves were distributed at the show.

Designed to slip between the glass and rubber on a car window, the eye-catching yellow and black cards also offer a six-point safety checklist for motorists.

l Drivers can obtain a 15 per cent discount at car security specialists Sextons on production of an Operation Cobra laminated card. The offer applies to the installation of any security equipment in the next six months.

Cards can be picked up free of charge from Southampton Central, Shirley, Portswood, Bitterne and Eastleigh police stations.

They are also available from Daily Echo branch offices, Southampton Civic Centre, Eastleigh Borough Council offices and selected news-agents.