Model trains and boats among items stolen from home

Model boats and two vintage motorbikes were among the collectors' items and family heirlooms stolen from the home of an engineering enthusiast in his 90s.

Thames Valley Police said thieves took various possessions from a home on Netherton Road, in Abingdon, on 4 May.

Also among the items stolen were model steam trains and other antiques.

The son of the victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, urged the public to "please help us to recover his treasured belongings".

Det Con Laura Oakes said: "We're appealing to anybody who has any knowledge of the whereabouts of this property to please come forward with information to help return them to the family."

Police said the vintage motorbikes were believed to have been advertised for sale online in the Oxfordshire area since the theft.

"It is believed the motorcycles were advertised for sale in May, so we would urge anybody with information about the sale of the purchase of them to contact police," Det Con Oakes said.

The victim's son said: "Our father is over 90-years-old. He served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and later worked at the Pressed Steel in Cowley, designing mechanical parts of cars.

"His passion was collecting everything to do with engineering, model steam trains and engines and motorbikes.

"Working on these engines kept him alive and continue to give him great enjoyment and a sense of purpose."

Anybody with any information that may help to locate the stolen items has been urged to contact Thames Valley Police.

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