Oxford News
Petition against PC Andrew Harper’s killers hits 1 million
As of this morning, the online petition set up by Aileen O’Connor, chairwoman of Thames Valley Police Federation, had reached more than one million signatures.
It calls for the early release of Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole to be blocked, with the duo set to be let out of jail halfway through their 13-year sentences.
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This is because of government plans for early releases designed to tackle overcrowding in jails.
The prosect of their release has prompted widespread condemnation of the scheme in which some 5,000 people are expected to be let out early under sentencing changes, down from 6,000 after ministers exempted rapists and “serious” child sex offenders.
Responding to the uproar, Mr Burnham said he “wouldn’t forgive myself” if he did not try to lessen the “anguish” of the officer’s family.
In an interview with LBC, he said: “I am turning over every stone. I am looking at everything. I am pushing the system to go further.”
Mr Burnham has ordered Justice Secretary Alex Norris to draw up plans to free up prison space for serious offenders, and said he is “increasingly confident” PC Harper’s killers will not be released early from their sentences as a result.
PC Harper, who was from Wallingford, was fatally injured in the line of duty when he got caught in a strap attached to the back of a car and was dragged down a country road as the killers fled the scene of a quad bike theft in Sulhamstead, Berkshire, in 2019.
As well as the petition, a letter from 50 police chiefs and other law enforcement leaders also called on the Prime Minister to “establish an additional public protection safeguard” for the most serious offenders, when future early release schemes are floated.
The leaders, who included Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, Greater Manchester Chief Constable Stephen Watson and National Crime Agency Director General Graeme Biggar, said families and victims “must be properly considered whenever significant changes are made to sentencing or release arrangements”.
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Their letter said: “When the state asks people to run towards danger on behalf of the public, they should be able to trust that the justice system will stand behind them when the worst happens.
“PC Andrew Harper’s case also raises a wider question.
“When someone is sentenced for an exceptionally serious offence, how much confidence can victims, bereaved families and the public place in that sentence if subsequent changes to release arrangements result in an offender being released significantly earlier than originally anticipated?”
The data, analysed by Tempcover and sourced from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), covers cars stolen between January 1 and June 30.
A total of 25,050 cars were reported stolen during this period, equating to 138 thefts per day or one every 10 minutes and 24 seconds.
This represents a decline from the 27,831 cars stolen in the first six months of 2025.
Theft patterns also appear to be shifting, with more electric and hybrid vehicles now being targeted.
Top 10 stolen car models in the UK for 2026
According to the Tempcover analysis of DVLA data, the top 10 most stolen car models are:
In total, 1,309 cars were stolen, combining the figures of the top 10.
The Nissan Juke Tekna CVT (petrol) topped the list as the UK’s most stolen vehicle variant in 2026, up from fifth place in 2025.
There were 197 thefts of this model in the first half of the year, a 19% increase from 165 in the same period last year.
This put it 37 thefts ahead of the 2025 leader, the Toyota C-HR Dynamic HEV CVT, which dropped to second place with 160 thefts.
The Nissan Juke model being in the number one spot indicates a trend where criminals are increasingly targeting popular crossovers and zero-emission vehicles over older petrol hatchbacks.
Vehicles equipped with keyless entry and push-to-start ignition are frequently targeted using a relay device
The Ford Fiesta, once a dominant target, continues to fall in the rankings following Ford’s decision to discontinue the model in 2023.
Seven Fiesta variants remain in the national top 20, but thefts of these trims fell by 35.5% year-on-year, from 1,177 to 759.
The Ford Fiesta Titanium Turbo (140 thefts) was the highest-ranked Fiesta variant, placing third, while the Fiesta Zetec slipped from second place in 2025 to fifth in 2026.
EV models also showed up in the top 10, with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 Ultimate EV (joint 6th overall with 115 thefts) having the most stolen.
Other EVs were in the top 20, which included the Hyundai Ioniq 5 Premium EV (89 thefts), the Kia Niro 2 EV (88 thefts), and the Kia Niro 4 EV (76 thefts)
How to stop your car from being stolen
Some criminals use relay attacks to unlock cars, so you can combat this by placing the keys inside a metal box or signal-blocking wallet to block the signal.
The RAC also recommends parking in a well-lit public area to reduce the chances.
It adds: “If you need to use a car park, try to find one that’s security patrolled, covered by CCTV, or that is in a secure area.”
Utilising a steering lock or brake lock can also be helpful, and it could be useful to install a tracking device in case a thief gets away with your car.
Jake Lambert, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, said: “With pure EVs entering the top 20, security must keep pace with the tech.
“Beyond Faraday pouches and parking nose-in to block wiring access, EV owners must secure their companion app.
Recommended reading:
“If the app holds a digital key, set a PIN or biometric lock – a basic password isn’t enough.
“Lock charging cables to prevent component theft, and keep software updates active.
“But it’s still essential to get the basic habits right: don’t leave the app logged in on unlocked phones, and keep physical keys away from your front door.”
Have car thefts affected your area this year? Let us know in the comments.
The Grade II listed property on St John Street, which is up for sale, offers more than 2,900 square feet of living space spread over four floors.
It features a large family room, a kitchen/breakfast area, large bedrooms, a west-facing courtyard garden, and a separate annexe, and is being sold with “no onward chain.”
Inside, the main house boasts four bedrooms and a reconfigured interior.
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The lower ground floor features a wooden-floored family room, a utility room, and a modern shower room.
On the ground floor, there is a parlour room with a feature fireplace, and a kitchen/breakfast area that opens onto a walled courtyard garden.
The first floor offers two double bedrooms, one with an ensuite bathroom, while the second floor features the principal bedroom, bathroom, and a dressing room.
The annexe, accessible from the courtyard, has its own sitting room, a first-floor vaulted bedroom, and a lower ground floor bathroom.
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St John Street, known for its Georgian-style Grade II listed terraced houses, is situated in the heart of Oxford and was developed around 1830.
The area is close to top-rated state and independent schools, including The Dragon School, Oxford High School for Girls, Cherwell School, St Edward’s School, d’Overbroeck’s College, St Philip & James School, Summerfields School, Christchurch College School, New College School, and Magdalen College School.
The property is also near the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford colleges, and the Oxford railway station.
Thames Valley Police has released a CCTV image as it asks for the public’s help in identifying a man who may have vital information about the incident at Templars Shopping Centre in Cowley.
The reported ‘sexual assault’ happened when a woman in her 20s was inappropriately touched over her clothing at around 3pm on Tuesday, June 30.
READ MORE: Oxfordshire police ‘welcome’ prime minister’s update on PC Harper killers
No arrests have been made at this time and the police has asked for anyone with any information to come forward as soon as possible.
Investigating officer PC Emily Rice said: “We are releasing this CCTV image as we believe the individual pictured may have information that could assist our investigation.
“If this is you, or if you recognise the person shown in the image, please contact Thames Valley Police.”
Anyone with information can make a report to the police online or call 101, quoting reference 43260331880.
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Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its website.
Appeals for public help in finding individuals by the police can relate to suspects, witnesses or others who may have vital information in relation to the incident.
They do not mean the person is to blame nor do they imply guilt.
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