POLICE are urging motorists to remove valuables from their cars at Oxfordshire beauty spot car parks after a spate of thefts.

Since the beginning of March, 15 vehicles have been broken into at the beauty spots in Christmas Common, Britwell Hill, and B4009 Lewknor near junction six of the M40.

The peak times for the thefts are around lunchtime and most happen on Fridays and Sundays.

Financial documents, purses, wallets, cheque books as well as laptop computers, handbags, keys and mobile phones are being stolen.

The warning, which was issued tonight, follows a similar alert earlier this month following thefts from cars parked near the Ridgeway.

Crime reduction adviser Lesley Nesbit said: "With the lighter days and better weather people go to the beauty spots to enjoy a long walk and their unattended cars provide an opportunity for thieves to break into cars and steal property from them.

"The message is to leave no valuables or papers in your vehicle.

"There are extra police patrols in the area to catch and deter these thieves."

If you have any information contact police on 08458 505 505. If you do not wish to speak to police contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.