NINE motorbikes have been stolen in a week across Oxford, prompting fresh appeals to owners to keep their bikes secure.

The moped and motorcycle theft spree has seen thousands of pounds worth of bikes stolen from front driveways and outside a pub.

Police believe the bikes have been stolen by thieves and then ridden around the city before being dumped.

Six of the bikes have been retrieved by police, although they suffered severe damage, but three are still missing.

Pc Dave Hodsdon said: “The majority of the vehicles stolen have later been recovered and in most cases they have been damaged.

“We would urge people to take extra precautions when leaving their vehicle.

“Make sure that you lock it to something secure and, if you are going away. either find somewhere safe to store it, or ask a friend to keep an eye on it for you.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who has any information in relation to any of these thefts.”

Bikes have been stolen across the city, including Rose Hill, Wood Farm, Cowley, Shotover Country Park, Old Marston and North Oxford.

Thieves first struck outside the White Hart pub, in Old Marston, sometime between September 3 and 10, stealing an Aprilia Mogita moped.

Between Monday and Wednesday, September 7-9, a Kawasaki motorbike was taken from Church Way, Iffley, and thieves stole a Piaggio Zip moped from Titup Hall Drive, in Wood Farm.

During the night on Wednesday, September 9, an Aragon moped was stolen from Shotover Mound, Shotover Country Park, and a Kymco 9 moped was taken from Clinton Close, in Rose Hill.

Between Wednesday and Friday, September 9-11, a Piaggio ETZ was stolen from Bannister Close, East Oxford.

Then overnight between Friday and Saturday, September 11-12, a Honda CG 125 was stolen from Aldrich Road, North Oxford.

A Honda NES 125Y was stolen from James Wolfe Road, in Cowley, overnight on Sunday, September 13.

Thieves also stole a Yamaha TZR 125 from Spencer Crescent, in Rose Hill, between September 13 and 15.

A 19-year-old man arrested in relation to the theft of the moped from Titup Hall Drive has been bailed to reappear at St Aldate’s Police Station on November 6.

Anyone with information on the thefts should contact police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.