The owner of a garage in Portsmouth has been plagued by a gang of youths who have set fire to cars, stolen from tills, and nearly seriously injured his staff.
Neil Gibson, who began operating Smile Servicing and Repairs in the Hilsea area in 2009, has faced a sudden rise in vandalism and anti-social behaviour in recent years, leaving him thousands of pounds out of pocket. The owner, 57, detailed the ongoing issues to the Daily Mail.
“We’ve had cars being set on fire, we’ve had drug dealing on the site. Coming in in the morning, we’d find drug-taking paraphernalia in the car park,” he told the Daily Mail. “It was probably a daily occurrence. It’s mindless. Absolutely mindless.”
The incidents, which escalated three or four years ago, have included significant damage. Video footage showed one youngster smashing a car windscreen with a broom. Mr Gibson also reported a theft where thousands of pounds worth of cash and equipment were stolen from the shop.
The most severe incident involved an employee in his 60s who narrowly avoided being hit by a brick thrown from a nearby building. Mr Gibson claims that when he reported the incident, the police response was simply: “Well it’s just kids.” This, along with other seemingly unaddressed reports, has left him feeling “completely and utterly helpless” and “disappointed” that no serious action has been taken.
The police, Hampshire Constabulary, confirmed they received multiple reports from the business, including criminal damage and theft, between September 2019 and November 2024. The force stated that no suspects were arrested or charged, and “a pattern of behaviour was not identified based on what was reported to us.”
The extensive vandalism has cost Mr Gibson thousands, including a recent $\text{\pounds}2,000$ replacement for a large pane of glass, which he had to pay for due to his business insurance excess of $\text{\pounds}5,000$. He has been forced to spend additional money on preventative measures, such as installing CCTV and netting.
The business owner admits he became frustrated with the process of reporting crime online, feeling it was “hopeless.” He believes the culprits are “getting away with it” because they know there is “no penalty.”
In a separate comment on anti-social behaviour in Portsmouth, District Commander for Portsmouth Superintendent Paul Markham said the force takes every report seriously and is keen to encourage the community to report incidents to build a picture of what is happening.
Meanwhile, the Labour party announced plans for new laws last year to create ‘respect orders’ and enhanced police powers to tackle repeat offenders of anti-social behaviour.
Source: Daily Mail
David Greenwood
Both the Government and the Police will do nothing as usual. Protect yourself and you will end up in jail. Time for a change perhaps?
Andrew MacCreadie
Really? “Respect Order’s” ?? Come on, what a waste of time. We need the police out there doing the job they are being paid for to prevent petti theft and vandalism.
I believe that people would gladly pay more in their rates if they thought that it would go to policing so we can swear in more police officers instead of all the “Police staff” that keep appearing.
When I dial 999 for an immediate response that is what I expect not some lame excuse for non attendance and response decisions made by control room sergeants.
Anyhow, I am sorry for all the trouble Mr Gibson is having with ferrule youngsters and I hope his situation will improve. It is heart breaking to have a business you have worked years to build being destroyed by idiots.
Philip Horn
There is a new ASB team set up at Winchester City council, Go to Winchester city council ASB and report it. Although there is only a few people operating this, they are obliged to come out and see you. Also try Portsmouth council to see if they have the same. Councils are obliged to combat this crime. Hope this helps. Donna Jones say they have recruited more police officers, but she does not say how many officers have left the force.