Burglars are stripping renovated houses and stealing thousands of pounds worth of furniture and fittings from inside.

Six homes undergoing refurbishment have been burgled in as many days in Oxford.

Twice thieves returned to the same property to steal the boilers after the originals were replaced.

And in another home burglars ripped up recently laid wooden flooring.

Officers believe the same gang is behind the six burglaries and linked to a similar break-in last month.

Homeowners are being warned to protect empty homes undergoing refurbishment, particularly in the Cowley area.

Pc Craig Burchall said: "We have seen this sort of thing before but not quite to this extent and we are now quite concerned.

"The thieves will have needed a van, or a large vehicle to transport the stolen goods as they are mostly large and bulky items.

"Officers are increasing their patrols in the areas and will be doing regular checks on any suspicious vehicles that may be seen near to these sites."

The break-ins mainly occurred in the early hours of the morning.

Burglars struck in Boswell Road in Cowley on October 2, stealing two boilers.

They returned around a month later and stole the replacement boilers fitted by the landlord.

Break-ins have also occurred in Havelock Road, St Martin's Road, Marston Street and Fernhill Road.

All properties were unoccupied at the time.

Anyone with information should contact Pc Burchall on 08458 505505 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

To have a free security survey contact police on 08458 505505.