AN INCREASING amount of car number plates are being targeted by thieves in the Bicester area.

A neighbourhood alert from PCSO Louise Beaumont warned there had been several thefts in recent months, the latest in Upper Heyford sometime between Sunday and today.

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It follows a similar warning from West Oxfordshire police last month, which said they are commonly stolen to disguise criminals' own cars and advised people to make sure plates are screwed on.

If a number plate is stolen people are urged to report it to police as well as their insurers.

A small supply of free anti-theft screws are available from Bicester Police Station.