Bosses at an Oxfordshire hydraulics firm have been targeted by burglars twice in less than a week.

Thousands of pounds worth of equipment was taken from Regent Hose and Hydraulics on Witney's Minster Industrial Estate.

Staff at the firm first discovered the door had been smashed in and a petty cash tin, which contained about £150, and an old safe had been stolen last weekend.

In the second raid, up to £3,000 worth of equipment, including power hoses, was stolen between 5pm on Wednesday and 8.15am on Thursday.

Workshop manager Roger Smith said the firm had stepped up security and installed a steel door and burglar alarm to prevent any future raids.

He added: "An old safe was taken which someone had given us years ago.

"We didn't use it but it was locked."

The second burglary was discovered on Thursday morning.

Mr Smith said: "We are still trying to ascertain from invoices how much has been taken.

"We think it was £2,500 to £3,000 worth of jet lances, the ones you use in car washes."

He said the door had been replaced earlier in the week with a strong wooden one, which had to be replaced again after the second raid -- this time with a steel one.

He said: "We are sickened by it.

"Apart from all the inconvenience, you hear about this on the television and in the newspaper but when it happens to you it brings it home.

"We had a very secure door before. I think they might have backed something into it first to weaken it, then kicked it in."

Pc Rachel Barrett, of Witney police station, said: "I'm keen to hear from anyone who saw any suspicious people or vehicles in this area.

"Also, these tools could well have been sold on and I would ask anyone offered any items that they believe may be stolen to call me."

Pc Barrett can be contacted via the Police Enquiry Centre on 08458 505505 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.