THEFTS of vehicles in York have soared by more than 50 per cent in a month, new figures obtained by the Evening Press have revealed.

The latest available statistics show the number of thefts rose from 69 in February to 107 in March - their highest in almost 18 months.

The jump between February and March represents an increase of 55 per cent, which is the biggest single month increase since September 2003. In total, 256 vehicles were stolen in York in the first three months of 2005. The number of break-ins also increased during March, rising from 136 to 168.

The new statistics, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, show that a total of 275 motorists were the victim of some form of car crime in March - equivalent to almost nine a day. That figure is higher than at any time since October, although it is significantly down on 12 months ago. In March 2004, there were 333 car crimes in York.

The latest figures do not yet show the impact Operation Cobra has had.

The campaign, by North Yorkshire Police and the Evening Press, was launched at the beginning of April to drive down car crime and already appears to have been a success.

Some 26 people were charged with car crime last month, allowing police to solve 52 crimes.

Inspector Colin Moreton, who is spearheading the campaign, said he was pleased with how the first month had gone, and said crime was falling.

"It has dropped off slightly in April from March, and compared to 12 months ago it is lower," he said.

"Car crime is such an easy offence to commit. What we are focusing on is finding out who is doing it, sometimes by using DNA evidence. We are doing better now on the investigative side."

Insp Moreton also reiterated the need for motorists to be vigilant against criminals. He said: "We would warn people not to become a statistic, and to look after their property. It's important to protect your property, and not leave it on show."

Updated: 10:33 Friday, May 06, 2005