A car hire firm has had to call in security specialists after relentless targeting by thieves, writes Phil Clee.

Thrifty Car Rentals has suffered a major crime wave over the past two-and-a-half months at its premises on the Osney Mead industrial estate in west Oxford.

Since early September, thieves have struck five times. The main target has been the firm's fleet of cars, whose alloy wheels worth up to 300 each have been repeatedly stolen.

The latest attack bring the total of wheels stolen to 67, and staff say the cost of the thefts and damage must be well over 15,000.

They have now hired a security firm to keep 24-hour surveillance, and have installed a new 200 padlock on the main gates.

A spokesman, Victoria Brown, said: "We had four new cars delivered on Friday, and when we returned on Monday after the weekend, their wheels had gone and they were down on their bellies.

"The creepy thing is knowing they're watching you all the time. They even once wrote 'Thanks' in black marker pen on the wall before they left."

A police spokesman said: "We're investigating the crimes, and would appeal to anyone with any information about them to contact us on 01865 266000, or leave an anon- ymous message on the Crimestoppers helpline on 0800 555111."