A THIEF has been dubbed 'the Grinch who tried to steal Christmas' after going on the rampage and pulling down and stealing festive decorations in Bicester.

Police are investigating after a number of Christmas decorations and lights, including a large wicker reindeer, were found dumped in Bure Park, close to the nature reserve.

They appeared to have been stolen from a string of homes in Betony Way and nearby streets in the Bure Park estate.

Amanda Thomas, who was walking her dog with her two little boys at the time, said: "I came across a pile of Christmas decorations dumped at the entrance to Bure Park Nature Reserve.

"A wicker-type reindeer which was about 2ft tall and many Christmas lights and baubles accompanied with chocolate selection boxes.

"Completely random and very sad.

"It saddens me, especially given it was Christmas decorations.

"Families work very hard to make Christmas as special as possible for their children and loved ones, no one wants to wake up to find their Christmas displays have been stolen or destroyed."

Thames Valley Police said it is investigating reports from two homes in Betony Way where decorations were stolen from the gardens on Sunday at about 6.20pm.

Residents have also since reported that a number of other homes and gardens were targeted in the area.

One home visited by the Christmas thief was that of Michelle Groves, in Lucerne Avenue, who said neighbours had warned her of the suspicious going-ons in the street that evening.

Mrs Groves said: "I opened the front door and our little Christmas tree had gone and the lights in the bushes had been taken, leaving a naked electric wire hanging from our window.

"I looked down the road and another two Christmas trees and lights had also been taken.

"As I went round the corner to see my neighbour, she was talking to other residents and said one of the elderly couple's reindeers was missing and their tree also demolished – they were quite upset.

"Everyone came out in the snow and was just shocked, we couldn't believe what had happened really.

"We don't usually decorate the front of the house, but this year we thought we would do our bit to cheer up the road and everyone seemed to have made an effort."

Thames Valley Police said it believes the thefts officers are investigating could be linked to a shoplifting offence at the Co-op in Barberry Place on the same day about 4.45pm.

Mrs Grove added: "It was just a shame really, but it did get everyone out and in the snow laughing about it after a while, helping get back some of the decorations that had been dumped.

"We laughed that it was the Grinch who tried to steal Christmas but failed.

"It was lovely how the community came together afterwards, after all it is only Christmas decorations – it shows good can come out of a bad situation."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101