A £750 mountain bike was stolen in one of two burglaries in Oxford.

The first occurred in Vernon Avenue, North Hinksey, between 3pm and 6pm on Saturday. Thieves entered the garage of the house via an insecure door and stole a 29-year-old woman’s white Focus Killer Bee mountain bike, worth £750.

When the woman discovered that her bike had been stolen, she also found a lower-value grey mountain bike propped up against the side gate, possibly left by the thieves.

Det Con David Evans said: “I’m appealing for any witnesses who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area at the time, and for anyone who may have seen either of the two bikes recently.

“We have taken the grey bike away to be examined for evidence by our Scenes of Crime Officers.”

The second burglary occurred in Bushey Close at about 2am on Monday.

Thieves entered the house of a 40-year-old woman via the front door which had been left unlocked. Once inside they stole a handbag, assorted Xbox and Nintendo Wii games, and a Sony laptop.

The woman and her partner, asleep upstairs at the time, were disturbed by a noise downstairs and the sound of the front door closing. Looking out of the front bedroom window, she saw three men walking away from the house towards Fogwell Road.

Det Con Evans added: “The men are described as approximately 6ft tall and of medium build, and we believe they would have had a vehicle nearby.

“We do not believe these incidents are linked but are appealing for witnesses to either crime in the area to come forward.

“I’d also like to remind our local residents to be vigilant when it comes to home security; always lock your doors and windows. Most thieves are opportunists – don’t give them that opportunity.”

If you have any information regarding these incidents, please call DC David Evans on 0845 8 505 505, the 24-hour Thames Valley Police non-emergency number. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.