Less charitable were the thieves who stole copper pipes from the back of a charity shop at Headington, Oxford.

It is astounding to see the lengths crooks will go to make a quick buck.

The booming price for scrap metal is leading to more and more audacious raids.

Nothing, it seems, is safe - even if it is bolted down!

We also report today how thieves were thwarted in their attempts to steal the gates from Bury Knowle Park at Headington.

Previously, we have heard how criminals are willing to prise metal plaques from gravestones.

Many of us adopt extreme measures to ensure the security of our belongings inside the home.

But how sad it is that we will now have to think about keeping tabs on the front gate as well.