'It's costing me a lot': Banbury taxi driver out of pocket after thieves smash window to break into car

A Banbury taxi driver has been left out of pocket and unable to work after thieves smashed a window to break into his car.

Clifford Forrester discovered his damaged vehicle outside his property in Samuelson Court on Saturday (November 7) afternoon.

He believes the thieves broke into his car sometime on Friday night or during the early hours of Saturday.

His car had been ransacked, with the driver's side window completely smashed, panels removed from the dashboard and strips of protective material covering some of the car's wiring also removed.

Mr Forrester said he had bought a replacement window online but would still need to pay to have it fitted.

He is also arranging for someone to examine the wiring before attempting to start the vehicle, as he is unsure how extensive the internal damage is.

The incident has had a significant financial impact on Mr Forrester, whose livelihood relies on the vehicle for his work as a taxi driver.

He said he had not been able to work since the break-in, missing out on typically busy shifts on Saturday and Sunday, and is expecting to be without his car for at least another couple of days.

Describing the impact, he said: "I am trying to stay positive but it is costing me a lot of money.

"It's getting me down a bit, you know, but I have to try and fight back."

Mr Forrester said he had been waiting for police to attend and assess the damage but was now trying to establish the extent of it himself.

Thames Valley Police confirmed the break-in had been reported but said the investigation had been filed pending further information, as there were no current lines of enquiry.

A spokesperson for the force said: "We received a report of a vehicle being broken into in Samuelson Court, Banbury, between 8pm on 6 November and 2.30pm on 7 November.

"Enquiries have been carried out; however, there are currently no further lines of enquiry and the investigation has been filed pending any new information coming to light.

"Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact Thames Valley Police by calling 101 or reporting online, quoting reference number 43260583015."