Warning after Audi SUV car ‘stolen’ in Cotswolds village

Thames Valley Police said the reported theft occurred at 1.30am today, Thursday, June 4, in Sinnels Field, Shipton Under Wychwood.

Wesley Smith, a PCSO in the TVP Cherwell and West Oxfordshire unit, said: “Unknown offenders gained entry into the victim’s home via the patio doors, specifically targeting vehicle keys.

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“The offenders subsequently stole the victim’s vehicle from the driveway. A grey Audi SQ5.”

He added that there had been another attempted break-in reported in the area at 1.20am, just 10 minutes before.

Shipton-under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire (Image: Google Maps)

“CCTV captures masked men with torches appeared to be interested in another high performance vehicle,” said Mr Smith, “however, it’s possible the Smart CCTV deterred them”.

Police are asking residents to check their CCTV for that time frame and if anyone has any further information to contact police on 101 and quote reference number 43260278334

 Following this, the force has also shared guidance on how to discourage burglary and vehicle theft.

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This includes to double-lock front and back doors, and windows, and to install a home alarm system.

Car keys and valuables should be kept out of sight and doorbell cameras or CCTV systems can be used to monitor activity outside the home.

They add that car owners should park in a garage if available, or under motion-sensor lighting and should consider fitting a tracking device or immobiliser to their vehicle.