CAR owners are being warned to secure their alloy wheels after a spate of robberies.

Six sets of alloys have been stolen from the Astley area over the last four weeks, and an arrest has been made in connection with further incidents in Lowton.

All the incidents occurred at similar times, around 4am. Thieves removed the expensive wheels by jacking up the car, stealing all four wheels, then leaving the vehicle on bricks or garden stones found nearby.

Sgt Dave Waddicor of Leigh Police said: "None of the vehicles targeted have had a locking wheel studs. Alloys can be very expensive to replace so investing in a set of locking wheel studs for about £15-£20 or parking the car in the garage could save a lot of money in the long-run."

Two thieves were disturbed by a neighbour in Parkfield Avenue, Astley at 5am last Thursday.

The pair, who escaped with one wheel, are both white men. The first was 6ft with a shaved head and was wearing a light coloured top and tracksuit bottoms. The second man is 5ft 8, of stocky build with short hair. He was also wearing tracksuit bottoms.

Anyone with information should contact Leigh Police on 0161 856 7257 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.