THIEVES stole two cars after breaking into a house in Kidlington.

The cars were stolen from outside an address in Brasenose Drive at about 1.10am yesterday.

The alarm of one of the vehicles was activated and a neighbour witnessed the cars being driven away from the house in the direction of Green Road.

Both cars are BMWs; one is a blue 530 diesel saloon, registration OV02 FHH, the second is a blue 335 diesel coupe, registration YK07 VLO.

PC Mike West, of Cherwell Priority Crime Team, said: "The offenders broke into the address through the front door and we suspect an implement was put through the letterbox and used to lever the handle from inside. The keys for both vehicles were stolen from inside the house.

"I appeal to anyone who may have seen the cars since yesterday morning to contact police immediately.

"I advise people to make sure their car keys are kept in a safe place when you go to bed at night. Make sure they are not on display and easily accessible to opportunist thieves who may break into your home."

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact PC West at Banbury police station via 0845 8 505 505. If you don't want to speak to police and don't want to leave your name contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.