Make sure that you buy the valve stem caps with the rubber inserts! Mine were absolutely fused onto the wheel after eight months of use – something a smaller rubber insert would prevent.

Like many of you I've been dealing with a five finger bandit over the last year and half when it comes to MINI valve stem caps on my wheels. Judging from the prints left at the crime scene (on the wheels) I'd say the culprit is a with rough a tumble 5-7 year old.

Initially after getting two sets of metal caps stolen I decided to simply give up and go get the cheapest, ugliest black plastic caps I could find. However after 6 months of looking at my wheels in disgust I finally decided to do a bit of research in the field of theft-proof valve stem caps. I had seen some nice sets at Griots Garage but at the steep price of $37. I decided to look elsewhere. What I found was a place called Spin Caps.

The valve stem caps that Spin Caps sell includes four caps assembled from two separate pieces, an inner core and outer sleeve both machined out of billet aluminum. They generally sell for $12.95 and can even be found in discontinued styles for $6.95. They are shipped free and sold with no tax in most parts of the country.

It was fantastic to come out in the morning after the first full night when them on the MINI and see a little kids finger prints all around the caps in a vain attempt to steal them. Since then I have no issues at all with theft.

Anyone else have other products that they'd like to recommend for this problem?