Police will run free events to help people prevent their tools being stolen.

The two sessions will be held in Bicester on Saturday December 2, 3-6pm at Launton Road Retail Park and on Monday December 11 from 9-11am at Wickes, Launton Road.

A security marking kit will be used to mark tools with the owner's house number and post code to deter would-be thieves.

thisisoxfordshire: Tools linked to a spate of thefts from vehicles in the Witney area earlier this year which were restored to their owners.Tools linked to a spate of thefts from vehicles in the Witney area earlier this year which were restored to their owners. (Image: TVP)

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Thames Valley Police said: "We often are unsuccessful in tracing the owners of recovered tools as they have no identifying marks."

Any tools with a serial number can be registered using https://orlo.uk/KFqh3 free of charge to help the police identify stolen property.

thisisoxfordshire: Security marking could help prevent tool theft.Security marking could help prevent tool theft. (Image: TVP)

The force continued: "Power tools can be an expensive outlay for people working in trade and home DIY enthusiasts alike.

"The cost of replacing them if they’re stolen isn’t cheap."