POLICE are urging people in Banbury to keep their doors and windows secure after two similar thefts in recent weeks.

In the first a thief reached in through an open window to steal steal eight rings lying on the window sill while the homeowner did some washing. The theft happened at a house in Bretch Hill on September 24, between 9.15pm and 9.30pm.

In the second incident a woman scared off a man who was trying to get in through the back door of her house. The woman was disturbed when she heard a noise and went to investigate. She screamed at the intruder and he ran off without stealing anything.

The suspect is a white man, aged about 18, skinny, about 6ft and was wearing a white cap and a dark hooded top with dark trousers and white trainers.

PC Rebecca McCamley, of Banbury Priority Crime team, said: "Opportunist thieves will look for an open window or an unlocked door and would only need to be in the house for a few seconds.

"If you are not in the room I would encourage people not to leave windows and doors open or unlocked. It may well be an open opportunity to a thief."

  • Anyone with information about wither of the two incidents should contact either PC Rebecca McCamley or PC Andy Taylor, of Banbury Priority Crime team on 0845 8 505 505 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.