A SPATE of car thefts has swept across Oxford as expensive cars are swiped using keys from the owners' house.

At least five cars and a van have been stolen in the last few days, Thames Valley Police said.
The burglaries all saw thieves enter a property, steal car keys and drive off with the cars, most of which were upmarket vehicles.

In the early hours of Monday, homes were targeted in Lakefield Road, Littlemore, and James Wolf Road, Lye Valley.

In the former, the burglars forced the rear door open, before stealing two sets of car keys from the hallway and the blue Audi A6 estate and black Audi A3 from on the drive, police said.

In James Wolf Road, the offenders forced the front door open, before stealing a silver Mercedes Benz.

Thames Valley Police said: “Cars have been stolen from houses in Oxford. Keep house and car keys out of reach and sight of doors, windows and letter boxes.

“Make sure you keep all doors and windows locked. Suspicious activity? Call 101 or 999 if taking place now.”

Elsewhere, keys to a van were stolen from Sandy Lane, Blackbird Leys, at around 5am on Sunday.

It is believed the thieves used an implement to hook the keys out through the letterbox and then open the front door. A mobile phone, wallet, cash and a Beatles LP were also stolen but the van has since been recovered.

The day before saw another Leys property, in Woodruff Close, targeted and a black Audi A4 stolen, at around 5.20am.

Another incident saw The Grates – also in Blackbird Leys – targeted between 7pm Friday and 10am Saturday.

It is believed that the culprits climbed over a side gate and entered via the back door. A phone, bank cards, car keys and the car parked on outside were stolen. The car has since been recovered.

FULL STORY: Burglar gained entry by stealing house keys through letterbox in Blackbird Leys 

Oxford Mail:

Map of recent car thefts in Oxford. Picture: Google Maps

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Anyone with information is asked to report it online at thamesvalley.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43190005505 (Lakefield Road); 43190005531 (James Wolf Road); 43190004847 (Sandy Lane); 43190004050 (Woodruff Close); 43190004128 (The Grates).