Police are appealing for witnesses and urging the public to remain vigilant after a spate of burglaries in the Banbury area over the weekend.

During the early hours of Saturday morning, burglars gained entry into a house in Hillside Close in Cherwell Heights through the front door, and stole items including a purse, some cash, a child’s cycle helmet and a distinctive set of chef’s knives.

Overnight three Honda off-road motorbikes were stolen from a garage at a property in Church Lane, Mollington.

On the same night, there was also an attempted burglary at a property in Main Street, Mollington.

Det Con Lee Newman said: “The chef’s knives that were stolen are distinctive and kept in a silver metal briefcase. I ask anyone who sees them, or might be offered them for sale, to contact me.

“We are keeping an open mind as to whether these burglaries are linked and I urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour that they see to the police.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Det Con Newman at Banbury police station via 0845 8 505 505, or if you don’t want to talk to the police or give your name, call Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.