ROB and Tracy Hearne had hoped for a relaxing drive to enjoy Oxfordshire’s countryside.

But little did they know they were about to become Bicester’s version of TV detective duo Starsky and Hutch.

They became suspicious as they saw three men push a trailer out of Oxford and Cherwell Valley College’s car park, in Telford Road, Bicester.

When the men attached the £10,000 trailer to a van and left, the couple gave chase in their Rover.

Mrs Hearne, 38, called police while her lorry driver husband drove behind the men along roads in Launton, Churchill and Buckingham.

Mr Hearne, 44, said: “It was like Starsky and Hutch.

“Tracy was talking to the police and the lady on the phone said ‘don’t get too close’ – but they weren’t going to get away.

“I thought they wouldn’t get through the bollards in Churchill Road, but he floored it and was going to go through whatever had been there.

“When we got to the Buckingham Road roundabout, the operator said not to follow them.”

But the couple, of Glory Farm, Bicester, continued the chase and followed the van along the A421.

Minutes later a police officer called them back and they were able to direct two police cars and a force Land Rover to stop the trailer in its tracks at the Fringford junction.

Mr Hearne said: “If we hadn’t carried on following them, the police would not have caught them.”

Yesterday, the college’s head of engineering Andy Thomas thanked the couple.

He presented them with £50 and a free evening course for Mr Hearne.

Mr Thomas said: “I think what they did was so community spirited. They have saved us a massive amount. With the insurance, we would have had a £250 excess.”

It was not the first time the couple had sprung into action to help other people.

In April, they were minutes behind a car that ploughed into a house in Lancaster Close, off Boston Road.

Newly qualified nurse Mrs Hearne was able to give the driver medical assistance.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said the force encouraged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to the police.

He added: “However, we advise people to put their own safety first and wait for officers to arrive rather than put themselves in any danger.”

He said people could call police on 0845 8 505 505.”