Four sentenced over burglaries at Appleton home of 93-year-old collector
Police are still appealing to find a missing steam engine and two vintage motorcycles
Four people have been sentenced over a series of burglaries and thefts at the Appleton home of a 93-year-old man.
The property was targeted while its owner, a lifelong engineer and collector, was living in a care home.
Thousands of pounds worth of valuable and sentimental items were stolen.
What was taken
Between 28th April and 6th May 2025, the unoccupied home in Appleton was broken into several times.
Over many decades, the victim had built up an extensive collection including model steam engines, boats, vintage motorcycles, antiques and other historic items.
Thames Valley Police say some items have since been recovered and returned to the family.
The sentences
At Oxford Crown Court on 13th August 2026, 23-year-old Harley Watts, of Harvest Way, Oxford, was sentenced to 21 months' imprisonment, suspended for 24 months.
He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, wear an electronic tag for six months, pay compensation and was disqualified from driving for three years in relation to separate dangerous driving offences.
Nathan Davies, a 22-year-old of Cuddesdon Way, Oxford, was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment, suspended for 24 months.
He was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, wear an electronic tag for six months and pay compensation.
Both men pleaded guilty to burglary dwelling.
Earlier, on 24th April 2026, 36-year-old James Andrews, of Slade Close, Oxford, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work after pleading guilty to theft from dwelling.
Adam Bottley, a 30-year-old of Windrush Tower, Knights Road, Oxford, pleaded guilty to theft from dwelling and was sentenced to 100 hours of unpaid work.
What police said
Investigating officer Detective Constable Laura Oakes, of the Priority Crime Team, said: "This has been a complex investigation involving a number of suspects, and I am pleased that the conclusion of these proceedings may provide the family with some measure of closure.
"However, they have endured significant distress throughout this process, and no sentence can truly reflect the impact and suffering they have experienced over this period.
"I would like to thank those members of the public who came forward and assisted our investigation, allowing many of these treasured items to be returned to the family.
"However, I am once again re-appealing for information from the public to help us locate the two outstanding vintage motorcycles and a GWR locomotive, which are of huge sentimental importance to the victim and his family."
The family's response
In a victim statement, the family described the lasting impact of the offences.
They said: "The invasion of his home and the burglaries destroyed all of that in one devastating blow. Since last May we have been living through a perpetual trauma due to the stress the burglaries have caused.
"We have been extremely lucky to retrieve some of the stolen items, thanks to the police and the amazing public response, which has been incredibly heartening. Seeing the engines again has been quite amazing.
"The real tragedy is that our dad can never see his home again, and this is really difficult to live with. We remain hopeful that more items can still be recovered, particularly the missing steam engine, which was his pride and joy, and the two vintage motorbikes he was restoring at the time."
How to help
Thames Valley Police is continuing to appeal for information about the outstanding items.
Anyone with information should call 101 or make a report online.
Information can also be given anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its website.