WHEN it comes to our day five Badvent most-wanted villain, Oxford police are hoping it will be third time lucky.

Each day in the run up to Christmas, the Oxford Mail and Thames Valley Police are teaming up to ruin Christmas for a different suspect each day.

If today’s festive fugitive from Blackbird Leys looks familiar, the police want to hear from you.

Despite issuing three warrants for the arrest of 21-year-old Ashley Appleby within a week, they haven’t had any luck in finding him.

On November 23 they issued the third warrant for Appleby, right, of Sapphire Road, Blackbird Leys, in a bid to stop his one-man crime wave and bang him up in time for Christmas.

The first warrant was issued on November 16 after Appleby was accused of breaching a suspended sentence order.

The second warrant was issued on November 21 after he was accused of stealing from Superdrug in Oxford city centre and the third warrant for his arrest was put out when he was accused of snatching a bag and mobile phone in Sandy Lane West, Littlemore, on January 26.

Detectives are now hoping Mail readers lead them to Appleby’s door before December 25, or that the glare of the spotlight forces the 21-year-old to hand himself in sooner.

Det Insp Paul Miller said: “Appleby has links to Blackbird Leys and the city. We need him to attend court and face up to the consequences of his actions.

“Do you know him, or where is hanging out, get in touch so he can not commit more crime in the run-up to Christmas.”

Anyone with information should call Pc Lorna Briggs on 101.

If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.