Holidaymakers coming home from their travels are finding themselves thousands out of pocket after having their car tyres stolen.

A spate of spare wheel thefts in Gatwick Airport’s car park have been reported in recent weeks targeting cars worth more than £60,000.

Travellers now say they are “put off” from parking at the airport in the future.

Sarah Breakspear, 42, said the spare wheel from her vehicle was stolen five weeks ago - leaving her and her husband with a £400 bill.

Sarah, from Weymouth, Dorset, said: "When we returned to our truck, as we were walking towards it we noticed the chain for the spare tyre was hanging down.

The Argus: A spare tyre stolen from a car in Gatwick airportA spare tyre stolen from a car in Gatwick airport (Image: SWNS)

"We trusted the Gatwick valet service with the vehicle, got back late at night and just wanted to get home.

"Now we’re out of pocket. It put us off from parking there in the future."

Police officers say that they are investigating the thefts after eight reports of wheel thefts in recent weeks.

A spokesman for the airport said they were supporting the investigation and take the security of cars in the car park “very seriously”.

One driver said the spare wheel was taken from the back of their £60,000 4x4 - costing them £2,000.

Sussex Police said: “Sussex Police are aware of eight reports of spare wheels being taken from vehicles in car parks near London Gatwick.

The Argus: Gatwick AirportGatwick Airport (Image: SWNS)

“Officers are investigating and anyone with information is asked to report it to Sussex Police online, quoting serial 1294 of 09/02.”

A London Gatwick spokesperson said: “We take the security of vehicles parked in our car parks very seriously.

"There are a number of measures in place including barrier controls, number plate recognition cameras and regular security patrols. We are supporting the police investigation into the incidents.”

NCP, which runs car parks at Gatwick, declined to comment.