A MAN has said he is baffled after having one of the wheels stolen off his car in what appears to have been an act of malice over a perceived parking issue.

Pete Robinson said he returned from taking his 13-year-old step-daughter to a health appointment on July 9 and parked in a communal area at the rear of Castle Drive, Dinas Powys.

He added that he does not normally use this area to park, but chose to on this occasion due to an issue with his front door.

However, after returning to his car just 20 minutes later, he was astonished to find his rear passenger-side wheel had been taken and a breezeblock was left in its place.

Mr Robinson said he only realised the wheel had been taken after he got into the car with his daughter and began to reverse.

“There was a huge bang and we felt the car crash to the floor,” he said.

“It was confusing at first as we had no idea what was going on.”

The 39-year-old, who has lived in the area for three years, left a note on his car and posted in a local Facebook group, seeking to find an answer to what had happened to his wheel.

The following day a note appeared on his car which read “Private yard, residents parking only.”

Speaking about whoever left the note he said: “It’s ridiculous that they have gone to this level.

“The whole thing has been based on snobbery. It’s a nice area round here and I think its because I don’t look like a resident.

“I have tattoos and a big beard so I think they saw me and thought I had parked somewhere I shouldn’t.

“I just can’t believe it really. At the moment we aren’t in a financial position to fix the car.

“Luckily we have two but my wife needs one for her job and at the moment I am having to catch the train.

“It really has got to me because we don’t have a lot of money and this has made things more difficult. I just want the person to come forward.”

Mr Robinson has contacted the police about the matter.

A spokesman for South Wales Police said: “Police in Penarth are investigating the theft of a wheel from a parked Renault Clio which was reported at around 6pm on Monday, July 9 at an address on Castle Drive in Dinas Powys.

“Anyone with any information concerning this incident is asked to contact South Wales Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 and quote reference 1800254708.”