Witness appeal following burglaries - Bampton/Black Bourton/Clanfield/Upper Milton/Kingham/Taston/Sarsden/Kingham/Foscot/Sandford St. Martin/Salford/Chadlington

Witness appeal following burglaries - Bampton/Black Bourton/Clanfield/Upper Milton/Kingham/Taston/Sarsden/Kingham/Foscot/Sandford St. Martin/Salford/Chadlington

Hello,

We wanted to let you know that Thames Valley Police have seen a recent rise in residential burglaries in the local area. These incidents have been happening from late December 2025 right up to the early hours of this morning.

The offenders seem to be targeting homes left empty throughout the day, so please do stay alert and let us know if you spot anything that feels unusual or out of place.

If you have any information that might help, please contact the Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101, quoting the area involved. You can also report online through the Thames Valley Police website. Obviously, if it is a crime in progress, please contact us using 999.
If you would prefer to stay anonymous, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.

Below is some helpful guidance on how to keep your home and belongings safe. It is a bit detailed, but well worth a read.

Seven Helpful Facts About Preventing Burglary

Burglars often look for easy opportunities—unlocked doors or windows, tools left out, or signs that a home is empty. The good news is that small, simple steps can make a significant difference in deterring them.

Did you know?

Burglars often choose homes where they believe valuables are inside. Leaving packaging from expensive items outside can attract attention.

They look for open or weakly secured windows and doors.

They are aware of regular routines, like the school run or holidays.

Burglars avoid being seen by neighbours, looking out for each other can make a significant difference.

Sometimes they are after a specific car, bike, or motorcycle and will enter a home to look for the keys.

Sheds and garages can be easy targets and often contain tools that can be used to break in.

Many burglars return to previously targeted homes if security has not been improved. They may also return to an area to target nearby properties they noticed before.

Ways to Protect Your Property

Mark Your Belongings

Use a police‑approved forensic marking solution (visible under UV light) to mark your valuables with your postcode and house number or the first three letters of your address. This makes it harder for thieves to sell items and easier for police to return them.
You can find approved products on the Secured by Design website.

If you have marked your possessions, display the stickers or signage provided—they act as a deterrent.

Record Important Items

Photograph high‑value belongings and keep serial numbers safe.

Keep receipts or documents proving ownership.

Register Your Bike

If you have a bike that you value, register it with Bike Register and make sure it is clearly marked.

Join Your Neighbourhood Watch

Being part of a local Neighbourhood Watch group means more eyes and ears helping to look out for suspicious activity and keep the community safe.

Keeping Valuables Safe

If you have high‑value items such as jewellery, important documents, or small electronics, consider using a safe or a safety deposit box.

Home safes should be fire‑rated and securely bolted to a wall or floor.

Avoid placing safes in obvious areas like the bedroom.

If you keep larger amounts of jewellery or family gold, a safety deposit vault might be a safer option.

Contact your insurance provider before making changes, as it might affect your policy.
For more information about safety deposit vaults, the National Pawnbrokers Association can help.

Remember, a wise man once said, “Keep 'em pealed”.

Best wishes

PC 5168 Bruce Claridge.

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
Bruce Claridge
(Police, PC, Cherwell and West)