A GANG of jewellery burglars have struck four times in north Oxfordshire, police warned.

Police are linking three break-ins in Bicester and a fourth in Kidlington, between Thursday and Monday, where burglars took cash and jewellery.

Officers are warning residents to be vigilant and increase home security until the gang is caught.

Det Insp Steve Duffy said: “All these incidents involved the burglars forcing their way into properties through downstairs windows and doors.

“The burglars are then carrying out untidy searches and stealing smaller items, such as jewellery and cash, and avoiding the larger electrical items.

“I would urge people to be vigilant to any suspicious behaviour they see; the public are our eyes and ears and we need them to let us know about what is going on in their communities.

“People should also ensure that access to the rear of their properties is as secure as possible. Make sure that gates are locked and all windows and doors are as secure as possible.”

Burglars forced the back door at a house in Chapel Street, Bicester, between 8.45am and 12.50pm on Monday and stole several hundred pounds and jewellery.

Hundreds of pounds was stolen from a neighbouring house between 7am and 4pm in an identical break-in.

Police are linking them with break-ins at Waverley Avenue, in Kidlington, and Price Close, in Bicester, last Thursday.

Anyone with information should call police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.