A BRAZEN offender tried to break into a van parked next to a church.

Police are investigating the attempted theft that took place at around 1.30pm on Wednesday in Wantage.

A passer-by witnessed a white man with a dark beard attempting to break into the rear of a van in the Charlton Heights area near to the church.

It is believed the man got in to a Black Vauxhall Zafira and drove off in the direction of the Lord Nelson pub roundabout.

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Another similar offence occurred at a similar time where another van was tampered with in Lockinge.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police commented it is possible that the two are connected.

Anyone with information about the two incidents can make a report by calling the police on 101, quoting reference 43200267486.