The incident occurred either during or after the Race
Elation over winning the University Boat Race turned to disappointment for the Oxford rowing team when they discovered their minibus had been broken into last Sunday and personal items, including mobile phones, had been stolen.
The vehicle had been parked in a secure location at Ibis Lane at the Quintin Boat Club, close to the finish line.
However, while hundreds of spectators were caught up watching the action, at some time between 17.20 and 1900 hours, a theft occurred.
Police said a rucksack and a red cotton bag containing personal items was taken from the vehicle while it was unattended.
The race started at Putney at 17.55 and finished at Chiswick Bridge a short time later. Large crowds lined the river bank and Chiswick Bridge despite the rainy weather to see the Oxford team take the lead and beat Cambridge easily.
But when the female driver of the Oxford minibus returned to the vehicle it was discovered that the bag and rucksack were missing. The rucksack was later found in a nearby toilet and a purse containing £40 was gone.
Seven or eight mobile phones belonging to the crew and other personal items were missing.
It's believed to be the first time such a theft has happened during the annual Boat Race.
Anyone with information should contact Acting Deputy Sergeant Andy Jackson at Hounslow Police by dialling 101 and asking for him.
Hundreds of people were watching the race from the boat clubs which line the river Thames. The Quintin Boat Club was full of supporters including members of the University of Westminster boat club - invitation was by ticket only.
The boathouse is owned and managed by the University of Westminister.
There was a high level of security in the area at the time, with police patrolling along Chiswick Bridge during the high-profile event.
The Riverside area of Chhiswick has been the target of several incidents involving break-ins and theft from vehicles. In the past fortnight local police have made six arrests for incidents related to vehicle crime.
April 10, 2014
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