OWNERS of 4x4 vehicles in the Marlborough area have been warned about thieves trying to steal high value spare wheels.

Police are aware from their inquiries into reported thefts of spare wheels from the back of utility vehicles that some owners may not have reported them missing.

The replacement cost of an alloy wheel with a quality make of tyre is as much as £300 for some vehicles.

Pc Simon McClaren-Clark reported on Monday that a number of 4x4 vehicle owners in Aldbourne and Baydon had discovered that attempts had been made to steal their rear-door mounted spare wheels.

He said a Land Rover in Baydon and two Mitsubishi Shoguns parked in Oxford Street in Aldbourne were targeted overnight on Thursday/Friday last week.

He said: "On these occasions the offenders were unsuccessful and were thwarted by rather substantial locking wheel nuts."

Pc McClaren-Clark advised all 4x4 owners with their spare wheels mounted externally to ensure they were secured with locking nuts.

He also appealed for witnesses who saw the incident to call him at Marlborough police station (01672) 512311.