WASHINGTON — Thieves have been stealing customized rims and standard oversized tires from SUVs, pick-up trucks, and minivans parked in Loudoun County.

So far this year, there have been 11 cases of all four tires and rims being stolen from a vehicle.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office says most of these thefts  happened in the Ashburn and Broadlands areas, though a few have also occurred in Sterling and Lansdowne.  They are trying to figure out if these cases are related to similar ones in the region.

Officials say the thieves drive an SUV into a neighborhood and target vehicles usually parked in cul-de-sacs between midnight and 4 a.m.

They advise residents to park their car in a garage or a well-lit area with wheels turned at an angle, and to install wheel locks or a car alarm that includes sensors for wheels.

Anyone with information that can help the investigation into these thefts is encouraged to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.