A MODEL car enthusiast is still trying to track down his beloved cars on the internet and at car boot sales, a week after his entire collection was stolen during a break-in at his Stourport home.

Stephen Harvey is not optimistic of success - but is determined to continue trying to find the five radio controlled cars, worth in excess of £2,000.

They were snatched in a raid at his home in Areley Common sometime last week. The theft was discovered on Thursday but might have occurred any time during the week.

"I'm looking on the internet, particularly on auction sites, and have been checking adverts and car boot sales for the model cars but I don't expect I'll get them back."

The thieves did not take the transmitters which control the cars, meaning they will have to buy new ones at a cost of about £150, added Stephen, 34.

Taken in the burglary were two one-sixth scale cars - a Mercedes worth £600 and a Renault Clio valued at £500 - and three smaller cars, a Nascar worth about £300, a buggy worth £300 and a Suzuki Vitara worth £400.

The thieves also took a gold ornamental clock valued at £400, a Sony Playstation2, and a Gibson Les Paul guitar and Boss effects processor, together worth about £800.

"I was particularly annoyed about the cars. I got my first as a present from my brother-in-law a couple of years ago and enjoyed putting it together, so went and got another one soon after. I might start again sometime in the future."

Anyone with information can contact police on 01562 820888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.