Police are hunting thieves who are targeting park and garden benches.

About 50 benches have been stolen in Oxford since spring. They were taken from parks, bowling clubs, churches and old people's homes.

Many have memorial plaques on them and have been donated at great cost by friends and relatives of loved ones who have died. Some have been recovered by the police but officers want information from people who may have bought a bench at a price far lower than the normal cost at a garden centre.

They also want to hear from anyone who has seen benches being taken away or sold at car boot sales.

Anyone with information can call 01865 266166.

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