Drivers in villages near Abingdon and Didcot are being warned to lock their vehicles following a spate of laptop thefts.

Motorists in the Steventon, Milton and Blewbury areas are being advised by police to take their laptop computers with them when parking in the area following a number of thefts from cars.

Five laptops have been stolen over the last eight weeks - the most recent incidents taking place on Monday and Tuesday last week.

Two were stolen from the car park of Milton Hill House training centre at Milton Hill, one from Steventon House Hotel car park at Milton Hill, one from High Street, Steventon, and one in London Road, Blewbury.

A handbag was also stolen from a car at the Park Club Gym car park in Milton.

Pc Ben Peach, of the Vale priority crime team, said: "We would always advise people never to leave valuables in their cars wherever they park.

"Even if you think your laptop is hidden, thieves may be watching and may see you hide it. It is safer just to take anything of value with you.

"We are investigating all these incidents and believe they could be linked. In each case, the back windscreen was smashed to gain access to the property inside the cars.

"Most of the cars targeted are new and expensive and we believe they are being targeted deliberately in the hope that there will be more valuable property inside.

"If you have any information or know who could be responsible, then please contact me."

Anyone with information is asked to call Pc Peach on 08458 505505.