Police are appealing to motorists to remove valuables from their vehicles following a spate of car crime in the Oxford area.

Thieves broke into a car at about 3.45pm yesterday in Chillingworth Crescent, and stole hair straighteners and a laptop.

Between midnight and 2am, a car in Bobby Fryer Close was broken into and a stereo was stolen. On the same night a window was smashed on a car parked at the Shelley Arms pub in Cricket Road and a satellite navigation system was stolen. The lock was broken on a van at the Cowley Retail Park and a jacket was stolen.

In Barracks Lane between 8am and 4pm yesterday a window was smashed and a stereo was stolen from a car. In the early hours of yesterday morning a window was smashed and a disable badge was stolen from a car parked in Cranham Street in Jericho.

Det Sgt Matt Jarman, based at Oxford police station, said: “We urge motorists to remove all their valuables, particularly laptops, satellite navigators and money from their vehicles whenever the vehicle is unoccupied.

“Most car criminals are opportunists and are unlikely to break into an empty vehicle. It is also advisable to park in a well lit area and to set the car alarm / immobiliser if the vehicle has one.’’ Anyone who may have witnessed the thefts or who has any information to help the police with their investigation is urged to call the Det Sgt Matt Jarman via 0845 8 505 505 or, if they wish to remain anonymous, the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.