Fish thieves have raided a second aquatics centre and escaped with thousands of pounds of tropical wildlife.

Burglars stole about £8,000 worth of fish and equipment from CK Aquatics in South Hinksey last month.

Now Shirley Aquatics, in Yarnton, has fallen victim after burglars climbed over a fence, covered a security camera with a bin liner, hid behind alarm sensors and scooped out thousands of pounds' worth of marine life.

Manager Neil Thompson believes the same gang was involved.

He added: "They knew what they were doing.

"I am assuming someone has got a large fish tank somewhere and is sitting there selling all the fish on.

"We never thought people would go to such lengths."

The burglars broke into the centre, at Yarnton Nurseries Garden Centre, in Sandy Lane, between 6pm on Tuesday and 8am on Wednesday.

After cutting their way into a greenhouse, the burglars crept behind the tanks, out of the way of the alarm sensors, and took the marine life.

About 100 corals, worth £2,000, were stolen, along with a number of rare clams believed to be £300 each, and £3,000 worth of tropical fish including angel, rainbow, butterfly and clown fish - worth about £200 each.

Specialised filtration equipment was also stolen.

Mr Thompson fears the delicate corals and fish may have been harmed.

The morning after the raid, security at the aquatics centre was improved.

After last month's burglary at CK Aquatics in the Wye Vale Garden Centre, police sent out warnings to shops selling marine life to be on their guard.

In that raid, thieves cut through locks on a security gate and forced open a door before taking more than 100 of the most expensive fish from their tanks.

It is believed they left with £8,000 worth of exotic marine life. Police believed the fish were stolen to order.

Pc Matthew Fishwick said: "The thieves seemed to know what they are looking for and will possibly try to sell the stolen goods on.

"I would appeal to anyone who has any information about the burglary or who has been offered fish, coral or aquatic equipment for sale to contact me."

Police are not currently linking the two burglaries.

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