A beloved toy fox belonging to a child was stolen by a thief in a violent car break-in, during a camping trip in the county.

Bubble the fox, the favourite toy of 10-year-old Wild Hendry, was taken when Wild’s grandmother’s car was broken into while it was parked at Rollright Stones, near Chipping Norton.

Wild had been on a camping trip with his grandmother when they decided to stop off at the stones on Saturday.

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Witney Gazette: Bubble the fox is missingBubble the fox is missing

When they returned to the vehicle they discovered that someone has “smashed” all of the windows and stolen a bag which contained camping gear, children’s pyjamas and – worst of all – Bubble.

Bubble has belonged to Wild since he was just two years old and is a firm member of the family.

Wild’s mum, Firgas Esack, told this newspaper Bubble is her son’s “comfort blanket” and “the fox is always in his pocket”.

Witney Gazette: Wild and Bubble, aged four Wild and Bubble, aged four

“Wild has been through a lot the last few years, and so Bubble has too,” she explained.

The family took to social media to try and find Bubble as they think the thief who broke into the car may have dumped the bag because the items in it will not be worth anything.  

Wild’s mum explained: “We are asking people to check their bins and hedges because there is no resale value for this criminal. But, in terms of sentimental value [Bubble] is very important.”

In a social media post, they wrote: Please help me find my fox. I’m ten years old, I’ve had him since I was two, he was stolen from my grandma’s car at the Rollright Stones near Chipping Norton on Saturday afternoon, 6th August.

“Crime ref no – 2022/08/06/1252.

“Please call 07801567215.”

Since they launched an appeal to find Bubble the family has been met with an outpouring of kindness from strangers.

“People have been so lovely. One driving instructor has said she will drive around and have a look for Bubble,” Miss Esack added.

Alongside the appeal, the family have been keen to raise awareness about thefts in the area, as several people have reached out to them on social media to say their cars were also broken into.

Witney Gazette: Wild with Bubble in his pocketWild with Bubble in his pocket

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “At around 2.45pm on Saturday (6/8), we received reports of a theft from a vehicle on Rollright Road, Chipping Norton.

“We are currently investigating, if anyone has any information or footage from the area, please contact the force by reporting on our website – How to tell us about an existing case or report | Thames Valley Police – or by calling 101, quoting investigation reference number 43220350000.”

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Read more from this author

This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.

You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @itssophieperry

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