WANTED - a brazen thief strong enough to twice carry away a life size Betty Boop figurine from outside a shop in broad daylight.

Two 5ft statues have been stolen from Oxford Furniture Store in Abingdon Road, Oxford, in a matter of weeks.

On the first occasion it is believed a thief picked up the figurine and fled on a bike.

Then on Wednesday, just days after she was replaced, a thief returned armed with bolt-cutters to cut through the chains.

Manager Chris Green said: "Whoever took her must be very strong. I've no idea how they got away. A witness said it was a man on a bike.

"Someone must have seen somebody running or cycling away carrying a life-size Betty Boop. Not once, but twice.

"Betty is as tall as me and I can just about lift her in and out of the shop. You'd have to be pretty strong to steal it."

A £200 reward for the safe return of the figurines or information that leads police to the thief's arrest and conviction is on offer from the shop.

Police are warning people to be on the look-out for anyone who offers the distinctive Betty Boop figures for sale.

The figurines cost around £400 and are considered rare collectors items.

They were left at the shop's front door during opening hours to attract customers inside.

The first Betty Boop was stolen on October 30.

Ms Green scoured the country for a replacement and when she tracked one down she chained it up outside the shop, thinking it would deter thieves.

Ms Green said: "I would love to get them both back. The business is really struggling at the moment and it would really make my Christmas.

"I was broken-hearted when they were stolen."

The shop has a number of life-size animals, sculptures and items of furniture outside the shop during the day including a pig, cow and sheep.

Around two weeks ago another thief escaped with a 4ft long pine Settle.

Ms Green, who has managed the shop for the past four-and-a-half years, is putting posters up in the local area offering a £200 reward for the return of Betty Boop or any information that leads to a conviction.

Police spokesman Toby Shergold said: "We are appealing for witnesses.

"These are very distinctive items and anybody who may have been offered them for sale should contact police."

Anyone with information should contact police on 08458 505505 or speak anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.