Police probe string of burglaries

Police are investigating after a pair of distraction burglars struck three times on the same night.

Two men posing as police officers tricked their way into three houses in north Oxfordshire on Thursday evening.

In the space of three hours they had tricked their way into two homes in Banbury and another in Bicester, stealing cash from two victims.

The men were wearing suits. Thames Valley Police are urging householders in the area to be vigilant.

Force switchboard

Officers were first called to Priory Road, Bicester, at 1730 GMT after reports the men had stolen cash. Less than two hours later they had struck again in Victoria Road, Bicester.

By 2030 GMT, at least one of the men was on the Neithrop Estate in Banbury.

Sgt Ricky Smith, from Bicester Police station, said: "We urge members of the public to check the identification of anyone coming to the door.

"If they are claiming to be police but are not in uniform or a liveried Thames Valley Police vehicle, to call the force switchboard, where we can verify who they are."