ALMOST a dozen cars have been stolen in a spate of burglaries police think could be committed by a gang aiming to have “a bit of fun”.

Police say an increase in break-ins around West Oxfordshire in the last few months has included thefts of 11 cars and motorbikes, including Subaru Imprezas, Audis and BMWs.

Between April 1 and September 14 there were 94 burglaries, compared to 61 during the same period last year – an increase of 54 per cent.

Ch Insp Jack Mahli, area commander for West Oxfordshire, said: “Because we don’t have a large number of burglaries in the area anything like this is noticeable.”

Ch Insp Mahli said officers suspected a group of opportunists from outside the area were targeting towns such as Eynsham and Carterton.

He said: “We are able to keep an eye on our local offenders, so we suspect it’s a team from outside.”

Mr Mahli said he did not think the cars were being stolen to sell on.

He said: “We have no information to that effect because most of the vehicles have been recovered.

“For them, it’s a bit of fun.”

As well as the 11 burglaries, a further 10 incidents were reported in which car keys were stolen, but the vehicles left behind. Cash, credit cards and electrical goods, including iPods, laptops and mobile phones, were also taken.

It is thought the group are deliberately targeting high-end cars because of their speed.

Acting Inspector for West Oxfordshire Nick Garside said: “Subarus are a car of choice because they handle very well and they are quick – they know the police will struggle to keep up with them.”

Mr Garside added he suspected a group of younger people were committing the crimes. He said: “They get their kicks from nicking cars and driving them at stupid speeds.”

Det Insp Helen Roberts, from the priority crime team, appealed for residents to keep an eye out for suspicious vehicles or people who appear to be checking out properties. She said: “You should consider taking keys, wallets and bags upstairs at night so they are not left on show or able to be ‘fished’ through the letterbox.”

Incidents include:

Monday, April 19 – Suburu Impreza stolen from St John’s Drive, Carterton. Recovered.

Monday, June 28 – Yamaha motorbike stolen from Shilton Road, Carterton.

Friday, July 16 – attempt to steal a Landrover Discovery from Stocks Green, Carterton. Keys taken.

Tuesday, July 27 – Audi A3 taken from The Green, Cassington.

Thursday, August 12 – Suburu Impreza stolen from Lancaster Place, Carterton.

Tuesday, August 17 – BMW M5 and Suzuki GSXR 1000 K5 stolen from Oakfield Road, Carterton. BMW recovered in Gloucestershire.

Sunday, August 27 – Eton Close, Witney, broken into and keys taken along with a Audi A4 Avant Estate.

Sunday, September 5 – Keys to a black BMW sport stolen from house in Fruitlands, Eynsham. The vehicle was subsequently stolen.

Sunday, September 5 – house broken into in Greens Road, Eynsham. Car keys taken but not the vehicle.

The police are working with Gloucestershire police and asked car dealers in the area to advise car owners how to keep their vehicles safe.

  • Police are linking a spate of burglaries of high-value cars and homes in Cherwell. Since May 26, there have been four burglaries in the Banbury, Bicester and Adderbury area, where cars have been stolen following break-ins.

A further six burglaries involving homes are being linked to these.