Police are appealing for witnesses after a number of cars and mopeds were stolen in the Oxford area over the past week.

Three cars were stolen from outside homes in the Blackbird Leys area of the city.

The first of these was a blue Ford Escort van taken from outside a property in Sawpit Road overnight between 10pm on Friday and 7.45am on Saturday. The van has since been recovered.

The next car theft was in Frys Hill at about 11.30pm yesterday when thieves stole a Citroen 2CV Dolly.

Thieves also stole a red Vauxhall Corsa from a property in Fieldfare Road between 5pm yesterday and 6.40am today.

A number of moped and motorbikes have also been stolen in the Oxford area.

The first of these was in Derwent Avenue between 7pm last Thursday and 8.45am on Friday, when a silver Piaggio Zip was stolen.

A blue Yamaha TRX 850 was stolen from outside a property in Coniston Avenue on the same night.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent in connection with the theft from Derwent Avenue and is taking the theft of the motorbike in Coniston Avenue into consideration. He was appearing at Oxford Magistrates’ Court today.

A third theft of a motorcycle also occurred at a property in Grays Road, where a red Honda CG125 was stolen between 9pm on Friday and 3.30am on Saturday.

Sgt Laura Auger said: “We would like to hear from anyone who might have information about these incidents.

“If you know anything about these thefts, or perhaps witnessed any of these crimes taking place then I would urge you to contact Thames Valley Police immediately.”

Anyone with information should contact Sgt Auger via the 24-hour Thames Valley Police Enquiry Line on 0845 8 505 505. Alternatively, you can contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.