Nine boats burgled

THE number of narrowboat boats broken into on the Oxford Canal has reached worrying proportions, with the police no nearer in apprehending the thieves.

There have now been nine separate incidents where narrowboats have been broken into between Christmas and the New Year with items stolen and or interiors wrecked, Alan Tilbury tells us.

Yarnton and Thrupp

These are all in the Yarnton and Thrupp areas of the waterway, with the police desperate for any information from boaters either living or cruising in the area.  So much so that they are pushing the fact that should anyone give information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 they will not have to give their names or appear in court.

Poorly secured

The break-ins are through the stern door, that is usually poorly secured by a padlock, that can be broken off in seconds, allowing quick entry.  Anything that is of value or seemingly usable is stolen and often the interior damaged.

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The police have now discovered footprints on one of the boats broken into and are increasing patrols of the area to attempt to deter further break-ins, Mick Fitzgibbons tell us.

One of the boats was moored near Duke's Cut, and another of the nine was moored at Lower Heyford.