MOTORISTS are being advised to look after cars, vans and motorcycles following a spate of thefts of vehicles left parked in the same location for a long time.

Police say thieves have been targeting vehicles left on driveways or in private parking areas - and have even taken vehicles that have broken down at the side of the road.

Recent offences have occurred on the A34 at Wytham and South Hinksey, an industrial estate, off the Radley Road, Abingdon, and in Upper Road, and Sandford Lane, Kennington.

PC Ben Peach, of Abingdon Police, said: "These types of offences have significantly increased over the last three months and police suspect the price increase in scrap metal to be a contributing factor.

"We have received a number of reports from people who had discovered leaflets left on their parked vehicles offering to remove the vehicle free of charge.

"Most of the cars targeted are not in a roadworthy state or have been left unused for some time.

"If you have any information about vehicles that could have been stolen for scrap metal or know who could be responsible, then I urge you to contact us."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Peach on 0800 555111.

Meanwhile, thousands of students in Oxford have also been warned to secure their homes before they go away for their Christmas break.

Many buildings, in particular house and flat-shares, will be left empty for an extended period and burglars will be looking to exploit any lapses in security.

Students have been advised to take valuables home with them if possible, to lock all doors and to set alarms in their homes.