A SPREE of burglaries targeting shops and businesses in Oxford has sparked an urgent appeal by police.

The force is urging people to come forward following the city centre burglaries, which they believe to have been carried out by two men.

A number of firms were raided, with the burglars forcing open front and back doors and stealing safes, cash and other items.

Officers said the first incident took place at Hi-Lites Hair and Beauty in Barns Road, Cowley, on April 29, between 1am and 2.15am. A safe containing cash was taken.

Another business on Barns Road, Consul Tanning, was raided on May 7 between 1.15am and 2.10am. Cash was taken.

On the same day and between the same hours, Age Concern in Templars Square Shopping Centre was broken into but nothing was stolen. Timpsons, also in the centre, was targeted at around the same time. A Fuji camera and a safe containing cash were stolen.

The House cocktail bar in Blue Boar Street was broken into two days later on May 9. In that instance offenders stole bottles of whiskey and cash from the till. It happened between 12.40am and 1.15am.

PC Eva Ramirez, based in Oxford, urged those with any information to come forward.

She said: “These offenders have been gaining access to these premises via forced front and back doors. Two males are believed to be involved as well as a Black Honda Civic.”

She added: “If you have any information about these burglaries of if you see anything suspicious please contact me via the non-emergency number 101.