POLICE have warned shoppers to beware following a spate of thefts.

Officers put out the alert about several purse dipping incidents in Banbury within the past week.

They urged people to make sure handbags, pockets and shopping bags are secure to deter anyone attempting to steal a purse or wallet.

Money and watches were snatched from a house after burglars forced their way through the back door.

Thames Valley Police said the house in Aylesbury Road, Wendover, near Bicester, was broken into on Tuesday.

It happened sometime between 3.30pm and 7.30pm and cash and three watches were stolen.

The force said to get into the house the burglars forced the rear patio door open.

It is appealing for anyone who may have seen ‘a suspicious person or vehicle’ at the time to call 101 referencing 43180378788.

A red off-road motorcycle, meanwhile, was stolen in a burglary at a house in Southwell Road, Kingsmere on Monday, December 3.

Anyone in the area and who saw anything suspicious or have any CCTV that may help with enquiries, is asked to call 101 quoting reference ref 43180374773