Police believe the same burglars may have broken into five homes in one neighbourhood in Oxford in just a few weeks.

Police are linking the five burglaries, which happened at four houses in Ivy Lane, Headington and one in nearby Laurel Farm Close, between November and the beginning of this month.

Police spokesman James Clements said: "Similar methods were used to break in, and similar items were taken in each burglary.

"We are investigating whether it was one burglar or more than one burglar responsible."

The first burglary happened between 7.15pm on November 2, and 1.15pm on November 3, when an intruder broke in through a downstairs window. An Ipod, a stereo, two speakers and a sub-woofer were stolen.

In the second burglary, on November 8, thieves got in through a ground floor window, and stole an Ipod and a purse.

Mr Clements said: "The raiders then made their way into the garage and a Vauxhall Astra was stolen."

Police are investigating whether the keys to the car were taken from the house before it was stolen.

A door was kicked in, but nothing was stolen at another house between November 30 and December 8.

Burglars got in through a ground-floor window at a house in Laurel Farm Close between noon on December 12 and 1.30am on December 14, and made off with cash and a stereo.

Cash and jewellery was taken in the last burglary, which happened between New Year's Day and January 3.

Det Insp Rebecca Mears said: "We are appealing for witnesses.

"All the burglaries have been at different times of the day and in all of them small valuable items and cash has been stolen.

"It has always been items you can carry out, as opposed to bigger items which would require a van."

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