BY day she's a lovable pet tabby -- but by night three year-old feline Molly turns into ... a CAT BURGLAR!

The cat is the pet of 20-year-old Bury fashion student Katie Woods and her mum Jean who didn't have a clue about Molly's double-life.

Katie and Jean did wonder about the amount of litter which found its way into the back garden of their home in Balcombe Close, Brandlesholme.

Local schoolchildren and overflowing dustbins were blamed, until one day the tiny tabby was caught in the act.

"We actually began to suspect another of our cats who steals in the house," Jean explained. "Then, when I saw Molly carrying a cigarette box through the garden -- we knew."

Little "gifts" started regularly appearing overnight on the doorstep. A cigarette box, packets of crisps, men's socks, gloves, a packet of condoms, a pair of women's leggings . . .

"Every day now we open the back door to see what she's brought," stated Jean.

"There's always something. The snow proved a bit of a problem for her, though. She missed a week but she's making up for lost time now."

The family have no idea where the items come from and have given up trying to trace them. "We think the rubbish comes from the local park," suggested Jean. "But we are worried that some of the more recent articles have come from people's houses, possibly through cat-flaps. I'd love to attach a camera to her to see where she does go!" The family have tried to keep Molly's life of crime low-profile, but neighbours in the know so far find the situation amusing.

Molly's family are accustomed to her antics, but are anxious not to upset people. "I imagine she is the cause of many a family argument when things disappear," added Katie.

"The worst thing she brought was just before Christmas, when we found an envelope for the paperboy containing £3. We felt guilty that he missed out on his tip."

As for feline rehabilitation, Katie and Jean have given up hope.

"We can't keep her in as she would get depressed so we've no option," Katie explained. "We have thought about giving her a shopping list, though -- then she can make herself useful and go round to the 24-hour Tesco!" MOLLY'S HAUL Plant labels

Gloves -- rubber, knitted, gardening

A pair of women's leggings

Numerous men's socks -- never a pair!

McDonalds wrappers

Drinking straws

Drinks cartons

A Spice Girls headband

A teddy bear

A plastic doll

Dozens of cigarette boxes -- some with cigarettes in

Crisp packets -- full and empty

Packet of condoms

Letters to the milkman

A bill from a house half a mile away

Envelope containing £3

Woolly bobble hat

Sweet wrappers and paper bags