THIEVES targeting a New Forest car park are turning it into a no-go zone for motorists at night.

Totton residents are refusing to use a crime-ridden parking area at Rumbridge Street in case their vehicles are raided in the early hours.

Drivers are parking in the street, creating extra traffic problems near the town centre.

But Totton councillor George Dart, a member of the local crime prevention panel, said thieves had made the car park "virtually unusable" at night.

"A phenomenal number of vehicles parked there have been broken into," he said.

"I believe the car park should be equipped with closed circuit security cameras and have raised the issue with senior members of Totton Police."

Crime victims include Greg Lawson, 26, of nearby Eling, who said thieves and vandals damaged his car three times over a six-week period.

He added: "I know loads of people who have had their vehicles stolen, broken into or set on fire."

Town councillor Martin Noland said the vast majority of residents no longer parked there at night.

"It's a large car park with about 80 spaces, but you'll rarely see more than four or five vehicles there after dark," he said.

Inspector Gareth Jones, of Totton Police, confirmed that the tree-lined site had been targeted by thieves.

He said: "The car park is relatively well lit but is not very visible from any of the surrounding houses or roads.

"It's one of the more vulnerable places to park overnight and drivers should be aware of that." The car park is owned by New Forest District Council.

A council spokesman said the authority was looking at various ways of tackling crime in car parks, including the possible introduction of security cameras.

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