Thousands of pounds of fishing equipment, golf clubs and tools have been stolen in a spate of thefts from sheds and garages in Bicester.

Police warned today there had been six reports over the past two weeks where burglars had forced shed and garage doors open during the night.

The fishing tackle and five rods worth a total of £3,100 were taken from a garden shed in Caversfield.

A fishing rod bag was also stolen from a garage in Windrush Close, Bicester.

The burglars struck twice in the same night in Colne Close, Bicester. Tools were stolen in the first theft, while nothing was reported missing in the second.

Golf clubs worth £250 were taken from a domestic garage in Ruskin Walk.

And a shed in Bristol Road was searched by an intruder but nothing was taken.

Crime reduction advisor David Campbell said: "These outbuildings sometimes contain sports and leisure equipment worth hundreds, even thousands, of pounds. So they deserve a high level of security.

"Consider installing shed and garage alarms.

"Criminals aren't likely to hang around if there's a 110-decibel siren sounding off.

"Use heavy-duty padlocks on sheds and non-return screws or coach bolts on the fittings and hinges.

"Shed windows are often vulnerable and a grille or chicken wire on the inside will slow down intruders.

"Up-and-over garages can be protected with an additional lock sunk into the driveway and when going on holiday it's a good idea to move valuable items into the house."

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