POLICE are asking drivers to remain vigilant after a spate of spare wheel thefts from under vans.
It comes after nine spare wheels were stolen across Sutton over the last three weeks.
Six of the nine thefts were from Ford Transit vans. The other vehicles targeted include a Mitsubishi, Mercedes and VW Caravelle.
The thefts took place at Bute Gardens, Wallington; Wandle Bank, Beddington; Richmond Road, Coulsdon; Oakhill Road, Sutton; Collyer Avenue, Beddington; Darcy Avenue, Wallington; Fairview Road, Sutton; Redford Avenue, Wallington; and Tharp Road, Wallington.
A Sutton police spokesman said: "Even when vehicle owners have alarms, these are generally only triggered when the vehicle is entered – not when the spare wheel is stolen from underneath the vehicle.
"You may want to consider putting the spare wheel inside the vehicle. Alternatively, you may wish to consult with your vehicle manufacturer or a local locksmith about how your spare wheel can be secured, such as using locking wheel nuts or lockable wheel restraints.
"In addition, you may want to look at parking in well-lit areas, and backing up your vehicle close to walls and fences to restrict access to the underside of your vehicle," he said.
Police are urging the public to report any suspicious behaviour.