A spate of high-value thefts from lorries in Oxfordshire has prompted police and business leaders to issue firms with a security warning.

The most recent incident happened last Friday (June 29) when a lorry carrying more than £1m worth of computer games and compact discs was hijacked.

Raiders took the truck from the Cherwell Valley service area, off the M40 at Ardley, after spraying a noxious substance into the face of its German lorry driver.

The raid was the latest in a line of attacks in recent months, which included a lorry driver being kidnapped and his truck stolen, which contained £250,000 worth of computer gear.

This took place on the A34, south of the M40 junction, between Wendlebury and Kidlington in May. Other raids have seen cigarettes and alcohol taken.

In response to these incidents, police and Oxfordshire Chamber of Commerce have joined forces to urge companies to re-think their security arrangements.

Chief Inspector Barry Keane, of Thames Valley Business Crime Centre, said: "Each of these incidents has been targeted against high-value loads.

"Domestic electrical goods, clothing, footwear, foodstuffs and construction equipment are also at risk due to their demand on the black market. Unless companies improve security, we fear this type of offence will increase."

Chamber president Jean Charmak said: "We appreciate that businesses have to strike a fine balance between security and moving loads to meet customer demand.

"Nevertheless, there are a number of things that companies can do to reduce the risk both to the driver and the vehicle."

Advice from the police includes carrying out a risk assessment on depot security and following industry best practice guides.

Trackers and immobilisers should be installed, digital phones fitted in cabs and unmarked hard-sided vans or trailers used.

On top of this, drivers should change their routes and times, insist on safety call in checks and schedule stop-off points at secure lorry parks.