Police believe six separate burglaries in Witney this week are linked.

Break-ins were carried out in Woodlands Road and Chedworth Drive on Wednesday, which police have linked to a burglary in Woodstock Road, between Sunday and Thursday, where jewellery worth £1,200 was stolen, an attempted break-in to a house in Beech Road, some time since Tuesday and the theft of two copper-coloured jugs from a house in Church Street, in Ducklington, during Wednesday night.

Det Con Kerry Boyle, of the Witney priority crime team, said: “It is unusual for the Witney area to have this many burglaries in such a short time, so it does concern us.

“None of the addresses are secluded and are in places where there is a good chance people may have seen something.

“Also, if you have been offered any jewellery for sale at a cheap price, please get in touch.

“Many of these houses have been left unoccupied for some time – it is a stark reminder that residents should take measures to deter burglars by making it look as though someone is at home when they are away.

“Make sure your house is never left in darkness: Leave your curtains pulled, use timer switches to make sure you have lighting coming on when it gets dark and maybe even a radio. A burglar will look for houses in darkness.”

Anyone with information should call police on 08458 505505.