Burglars rob family of their Christmas gifts

THIEVES took a family’s entire Christmas present collection worth about £2,000 before discarding wrapping paper and gifts they did not want in the street.

Detectives believe raiders ran from the house carrying at least five large plastic bin liners of presents following the burglary in the early hours of Christmas Eve. They were being stored in a spare bedroom at the house in Jericho, Oxford.

Police later found several presents discarded in gardens and on nearby roads. A trail of wrapping paper had also been left.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who knows anything about the burglary to contact them urgently.

Constable Rebecca Nightingale, from Thames Valley Police, said: “I would like to speak to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area at this time. The offenders would have been carrying five large bags of items around the area at an unusual time of day. If you have any details which you think could help this investigation, please call the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number on 101.”

Thames Valley Police said the family whose presents were stolen had asked detectives not to reveal their names or precise address.

A police spokesman added: “The incident took place between 1.30am and 7am on Christmas Eve morning.

“Offenders gained access and discovered a stash of Christmas presents in an unoccupied bedroom.

“They have stolen around £2,000 worth of children’s toys, games, food, clothes, bathroom products and other gifts before leaving. There is no description of the offenders available at this time.”