Witney News - Don't leave valuables in your vehicles

Don't leave valuables in your vehicles

Police are appealing for information and are issuing a warning to the public to remain vigilant after a series of thefts from vehicles throughout the West Oxfordshire.

Between Saturday 10 February and Wednesday 14 February nine vehicles were broken into.

Two were parked on Jordans Close in Ramsden near Chipping Norton, three on Moorland Road and one on Dark Lane in Witney, one on Churchill Way in Long Hanborough and two in Wooton, parked on Church Street and Chapel Hill.

Items stolen included a range of hand and power tools, a whacker plate, disc-cutter and generator. A mobile phone, satellite-navigation system, wallet, stereo equipment and speakers were also removed from the vehicles.

Sgt Craig Kirby, based at Witney station, said: "With such a spate of opportunist thefts occurring throughout West Oxfordshire we need motorists to take steps to prevent themselves becoming victims.

“Valuables which are easily re-saleable such as tools and mobile phones are easy pickings for criminals and satellite-navigation systems are becoming more sought after items too.

"Leaving anything in your vehicle which may be attractive to thieves is simply inviting criminals to strike. Remember to take out all valuables when you park up, particularly if it is for the night, this will help prevent you becoming a victim. We also have 'no tools in vehicles' stickers available, they can be picked up from the local police stations or West Oxfordshire District Council office.

"While preventing such crime is a priority, we are keen to hear from anyone who has any information in relation to this spate of thefts. Did you see anything suspicious or have you been offered any items for sale which may have come from these vehicles?
"Anyone with information should contact me at Witney police station via the Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505.

"If you have information but do not want to speak to police or do not want to leave your name, you can contact Crimestoppers Charity on 0800 555 111."