MOTORCYCLISTS have been the target of thieves in a spate of crime lasting almost two weeks.

This month eight motorbikes have been stolen in the city – most of them in the East Oxford area.

Detective Sergeant Bill Sykes, of the Oxford burglary team, yesterday said the machines were all “low power” and the thefts were likely to be connected.

He said: “To have that many in a short period of time and a number of them in quite a close proximity suggests they are likely to be linked.”

But it was not known why the bikes were being stolen.

“There is not a pattern. They are not all the same type and they are all different makes and models. But they are all low-powered.”

DS Sykes urged bikers to better secure motorcycles to help put the brakes on the stealing spree.

He added: “The main thing we are looking for is for people to increase their security to prevent the theft from happening in the first place.

“If there are people looking for motorbikes we need to make it as difficult as possible for people to steal them.”

Before the latest thefts 19 motorbikes had been stolen in the city since April.

Six of the eight stolen bikes have so far been found abandoned close to where they were taken.

DS Sykes said the thief could not get the lock off one bike and another’s engine would not start.

Freelance photographer Greg Blatchford had his unlocked £400 Suzuki stolen from outside his Headington home in the summer.

The said: “It was a great inconvenience. It stopped me working and if one can’t work one can’t eat.”

The motorcycle thefts this month: December 1, between 6.30am and 10am, Yamaha NXC 125 stolen in Thames View Road. Recovered.

  • December 4, 8.45pm-10.30pm, Honda C90 stolen from car park in Temple Road. Recovered.
  • December 5, 1.45pm-9.30pm, Yamaha 125 taken in Hill Top Road. Not recovered.
  • December 7, 7.30pm-9.15pm, Suzuki scooter stolen in Divinity Road. Recoverd.
  • December 7, 5.530pm-10pm, Peugeot KISBEE50 stolen in Barns Road. Recovered.
  • December 8, 11am-10.30pm, Piaggio ET2 stolen in Hurst Street. Not recovered.
  • December 8-9, 7pm on December 8-10.15am on December 9, Honda C90 stolen in Warwick Street. recovered.

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or contact the Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.