POLICE are linking four pub break-ins in Oxfordshire in one night where thieves stole takings, cigarettes and money from a fruit machine.

The Carpenters Arms, in Middle Barton, the Plough, at Finstock, near Chipping Norton, the Star, in Watery Lane, Sparsholt, near Wantage, and the Fox and Hounds in High Street, Uffington, were all targeted in the early hours last Wednesday.

At the Carpenters Arms, thieves forced open the front window and stole cash from the till and safe. The landlord was woken up about 4am and saw four men in balaclavas leave the pub.

At The Plough, cash and keys were taken after thieves forced open a window.

At The Star, they forced open a fruit machine, taking money and cash from the till.

At the fourth pub, in Uffington, cigarettes and money were stolen.

Totals have not been released.

Pc Fran Griffin said: “I would like to hear from anyone with any information about these break-ins.

“We believe that all four break-ins were carried out by the same people.”

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