Key Points
- Pizza oven taken from private garden overnight
- Incident reported in historic Oxfordshire market town
- Homeowner discovered theft early Tuesday morning
- Police investigating burglary and possible suspects
- Community warned to secure outdoor valuables
Oxford (Oxford Daily News) 10 February 2026 – A pizza oven has been stolen from a private garden in a historic Oxfordshire market town, prompting a police investigation and a warning to residents about securing outdoor property. The theft occurred overnight, and the homeowner reported the loss to Thames Valley Police the following morning, sparking concern among neighbours about rising opportunistic crime in the area.
The oven, described as a large, heavy-duty outdoor pizza oven, had been installed in the rear garden of a detached house on a quiet residential street in the town. According to the homeowner, the oven had been in place for several months and was used regularly for family gatherings and barbecues. The family woke on Tuesday to find the oven missing from its usual position, with no immediate sign of forced entry to the house itself.
Who reported the theft and when?
As reported by local resident and homeowner Sarah Thompson to the Oxford Mail, she first noticed the theft when she went into the garden around 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
“I went out to check on the plants and saw the stand was empty,” Thompson said. “At first I thought someone had moved it, but then I realised it had been taken completely.”
Thompson added that the oven had been purchased new the previous year and represented a significant financial outlay, which has left the family feeling “violated” and frustrated.
“It’s not just the money,” she said. “It’s the sense that someone has come into our space and taken something that was part of our family life.”
Thames Valley Police confirmed that a report was logged at approximately 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, after Thompson contacted the force via the non‑emergency number. Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team visited the property later that morning to examine the scene and speak with neighbours.
How was the oven taken?
According to a statement issued by PC Mark Davies, a spokesperson for Thames Valley Police, the oven appears to have been removed by vehicle.
“Given the size and weight of the oven, it is likely that the offenders used a van or similar vehicle to transport it away,”
Investigators are now examining CCTV footage from nearby homes and businesses in the area, as well as reviewing traffic‑camera data along local roads. PC Davies urged residents who may have recorded footage overnight to come forward.
Neighbours reported that the street is usually quiet at night, with little through‑traffic.
“We don’t get many cars down here after dark,” said David Collins, who lives two doors down from Thompson’s house. “If someone had driven a van up, it would have been noticeable.”
Collins said he had heard nothing unusual during the night, but added that he would check his own driveway cameras in case they captured anything.
What are police asking residents to do?
Thames Valley Police have issued a public appeal for information, asking anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area between Monday evening and Tuesday morning to contact the force. Officers are particularly interested in any sightings of vans or other vehicles being loaded with bulky items near the property.
She added that the force is treating the theft as a burglary from a dwelling, even though the oven was located outside the house. Sergeant Bennett also reminded residents to secure outdoor equipment and valuables, especially during winter months when gardens are less frequently used.
What do experts say about outdoor theft?
Security experts have warned that outdoor thefts are on the rise across the UK, with thieves increasingly targeting items such as garden furniture, power tools, and outdoor cooking equipment.
Morgan advised homeowners to take several precautions, including installing motion‑sensor lighting, using padlocks on sheds and gates, and registering valuable items with national property‑register schemes. He also recommended that residents inform their neighbours if they are going away, so someone can keep an eye on the property.
What impact could this have on the community?
The theft has raised broader concerns about community safety in the historic Oxfordshire town, which is known for its picturesque streets and relatively low crime rate. Local councillors have expressed concern that incidents like this could damage the town’s reputation and affect residents’ sense of security.
Councillor Helen Grant, who represents the area on Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We pride ourselves on being a safe and welcoming community, and incidents like this are deeply troubling.”
She added that she would be raising the issue with police and council officials to ensure that appropriate measures are taken. Grant also called on residents to report any suspicious activity promptly and to support each other in keeping the area safe.
“We all have a role to play in preventing crime,” she said. “If you see something unusual, don’t assume someone else will report it.”
What are the next steps in the investigation?
Thames Valley Police said they are continuing to gather evidence and follow up on leads in the case. Officers are reviewing CCTV footage and speaking with local businesses that may have security cameras facing the street.
PC Davies said the force was also liaising with local retailers that sell similar pizza ovens, in case the stolen item is offered for sale or repair.
“We’re asking anyone who sees an oven like this being sold cheaply or advertised online to contact us,” he said. “We don’t want to discourage people from buying second‑hand items, but we do want to make sure they’re not inadvertently buying stolen goods.”
Residents have been encouraged to check online marketplaces and report any suspicious listings to police. Officers have also reminded the public that handling stolen goods is a criminal offence, even if the buyer did not know the item was stolen.
What message are police sending to potential offenders?
Thames Valley Police have issued a clear message to anyone considering similar offences.
“We are actively investigating this theft and will pursue those responsible,” said PC Davies. “We urge anyone with information to come forward and help us bring those responsible to justice.”
He added that the force was committed to keeping communities safe and would continue to work with residents to prevent further incidents.
“We take all reports of crime seriously, no matter how small they may seem,” he said. “If you’ve been affected by crime, please contact us so we can take action.”
