A THIEF stole a car from the drive of a York house early today from under the nose of its owner.

The theft, of the grey Renault Clio, registration R238 NFV, happened at about 4.50am today, from Melton Drive, Clifton. The car's owner was just yards away in her home when the thief struck.

The theft was one of a spate of car crime incidents to hit York, with at least seven taking place in 24 hours.

A blue Vauxhall Nova, F277GTY, was stolen from Stephenson Way, Leeman Road, overnight yesterday. Also last night, a grey Ford Escort, G29 OUA, was taken from Curzon Terrace, Clementhorpe, and a blue Vauxhall Astra, G794 TGA, was taken from Arlington Road, Clifton.

A grey Ford Fiesta, L142 MWC, was stolen from Regent Street, Fulford, at about 8.20pm last night. A silver Rover, R976 GKH, was taken from concrete company Sandsfield Ready Mix, at Elvington, between 7am and 4.20pm yesterday.

Between noon and 1pm yesterday a Land Rover 90, P386 FEC, was taken from Askham Bryan College car park.

Updated: 12:07 Saturday, May 24, 2003