Thieves stole a large quantity of gardening equipment from a vehicle in Towersey, near Thame.

Between 5pm yesterday and 8am today, thieves broke into a vehicle and stole tools, including two hedge trimmers, 12 chain saws and two pulse saws.

Crime reduction advisor Malcolm Wills said: “Unfortunately the majority of tools are not easily traceable as they are not security marked with the owner’s postcode and business name.

"We strongly advise that tools are visibly and permanently marked with these details by engraving or etching. Property marking also acts as a deterrent to thieves who have to cause permanent damage to remove the marking, making it difficult to sell these items on.

“In addition to ensuring that tools are locked away whenever they are not being used, we also advise that alarms are fitted to vans and outbuildings containing tools and that the alarm is set whenever they are not occupied.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to warn anyone who is offered cheap tools for sale not to buy them as they may be stolen and that handling stolen goods is not only a criminal offence, but it also fuels the demand and increases crime.”