Shotguns and expensive jewellery were among items stolen during a series of house burglaries in Chinnor on Friday. 

Police have reassured residents that an investigation will be held after three houses, in Timber Way, Station Road and Chinnor Road, were burgled throughout the day. 

In Timber Way, shotguns and jewellery were stolen after thieves smashed their way into a house.

The thieves shattered a glass panel on the rear kitchen door and used the keys that were in the lock to let themselves in at some point between 7.45am and 3.45pm on March 6.

After forcing a gun cabinet off the wall of a bedroom, the burglars stole four shotguns that the victim had inherited after their father had passed away.

A rare Miroku Presidential over/under, 12 bore shot gun, which has an silver crest pressed into the wooden butt of the gun, two Miroku over/under 12 bore shot guns, a Miroku over/under, 12 bore, self-loading shot gun and a .22 air rifle, along with a blue handbag containing shooting vests, ear defenders and shot gun certificates were taken.

As well as the guns, expensive jewellery including an Omega Constellation wrist watch, a pocket watch, and a Rolex GMT Master Wrist watch were taken.

In Station Road at some point between 5.30pm and 8.45pm that evening, thieves smashed a conservatory door and used the keys in the lock to open it at a house.

Wedding and engagement rings, two Royal Doulton figurines, a box of After Eight chocolates and a bottle of kitchen cleaner were stolen. Police believe the cleaning product was used to remove fingerprints from the scene.

At some point between 8.40am and 6.40pm on the same day, thieves removed a patio door from its hinges to get into a house on Chinnor Road, Aston Rowant.

Nothing was taken, but the alarm panel, the alarm and other items that had been touched by the burglars were found outside in a metal bin full of detergent water to try and remove fingerprints.

Thames Valley Police believe the incidents are linked to recent burglaries in Tilehurst, Reading and Hampshire, where thieves escaped with a range of expensive jewellery, including diamond earrings, Swarovski chains and a Pandora bracelet.

Investigating Officer PC Gavin Chan of Didcot CID said: “I would like to take this opportunity to reassure Chinnor residents that we are conducting a thorough investigation into the offence.”

Anyone who may have information about where the shotguns are, or saw anything suspicious on March 6, should call 101.

To give information anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.