POLICE in Banbury are warning residents to be on their guard after two burglaries and an attempted burglary in the Easington and Bodicote areas.

Two homes in Park End and Molyneux Drive in Bodicote were broken into, both between September 12 and 16. Offenders forced open doors and windows to enter the houses but it is believed they left without stealing anything.

Raiders tried to break into an elderly couple's address in Mewburn Road, Easington, last Thursday. The couple, both in their 90s, are warning other residents in the area to be on their guard and make sure their properties are secure. Due to their good security measures, thieves couldn't get into the house.

Crime reduction advisor, Jane Taylor, said: "I urge residents to remain vigilant, keep an eye out and make a note of any cars and their registrations or people that are unknown to you. Take down the time, date and location and their description. If a crime is committed you will then have vital information that could assist a police investigation. However if you feel they are acting suspiciously please don't hesitate to call police.

"If you have any concerns about how secure your property is please make contact with me. I can come to your home and advice is always cost effective, appropriate, realistic and free! Phone 0845 8 505 505 and ask for the crime reduction office at Banbury. Prevention is always better then cure."

Anyone with information about any burglaries can contact Det Sgt Ian Hunter at Banbury Police Station on 0845 8 505 505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.