Furious holidaymakers who left their cars at Gatwick Airport have returned to find their spare tyres STOLEN – leaving them thousands of pounds out of pocket.
Police say eight reports have been made of wheels being taken from vehicles left at Britain’s second busiest airport in recent weeks.
Disgruntled victims claim they have have to pay hefty amounts to replace stolen items.
One said the spare wheel was taken from the back of their £60,000 4×4 – costing them £2,000 to replace.
Comments online appear to show the thefts have been going on for weeks.
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Sarah Breakspear, 42, is among the victims of the spare tyre thefts at Gatwick Airport
Sarah, from Weymouth in Dorset, shared online a picture of damage caused costing her £400
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 in 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.
‘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.’
She says Gatwick did refund the pair for the missing wheel after she complained online.
Sussex Police said: ‘Sussex Police are aware of eight reports of spare wheels being taken from vehicles in car parks near London Gatwick.
‘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.’
Passengers are seen here walking into the North Terminal at Gatwick Airport near Crawley
Gatwick is Britain’s second busiest airport, behind only Heathrow in west London
Airport chiefs have warned holidaymakers to be wary of rogue meet-and-greet parking firms
NCP, which runs car parks at Gatwick, declined to comment.
Gatwick Airport warned travellers before last year’s Christmas holidays to be aware of rogue meet-and-greet firms after complaints surged by 250 per cent.
Passengers have described the chaos that met them after returning from their holidays – including missing vehicles, emptied fuel tanks and rubbish strewn inside.
Oliver Bedford, the airport’s director of parking, said: ‘Although they often have Gatwick in their name, we have no relationship with these operators.
‘Legally they can operate on the airport as long as they don’t break our bylaws.’
He urged: ‘Do your research. Have they got legitimate reviews on independent review sites? Have they got contact details that go beyond a mobile number? Are they listing their company information?’
He also advised customers to look for accreditation from bodies such as the British Parking Association or trading standards.
The airport has also issued a five-point checklist for travellers.