Hundreds of thousands of pounds of jewellery has been stolen in a string of break-ins.

Police are linking 17 burglaries including thefts from homes in Cumnor Hill, Sparsholt, Childrey, Kingston Lisle and Longcot, all in Vale of White Horse, between March and May.

In each burglary thousands of pounds of jewellery and silverware has been stolen.

A man seen acting suspiciously near a break-in is described as white, between 25 and 40 years old, 5ft 9in, stocky build, with a round face, brown hair and wearing a brown round neck jumper.

On a separate occasion a Ford Transit pick-up truck vehicle was seen near the site of one of the burglaries.

Police believe the burglar, who may may be alone or acting in a team, checks out targets in small villages before carrying out the break-ins.

Homeowners are advised to keep valuable jewellery or silverware in a secure place.

Seven of the linked burglaries have been committed in Oxfordshire and ten are in Wiltshire near Swindon.

Anyone with information should contact police on 08458 505505 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.