A thief who stole from cars parked at Turf Moor has been banned from the area while football matches are on.

Sean Nerney, 27, who was in breach of a 117 day jail term, suspended for 12 months, could become the subject of an anti-social behaviour order to prevent him from stealing from vehicles, particularly around the ground.

His appearance before Burnley magistrates comes after police yesterday launched Operation Forecourt, a crackdown on thefts from vehicles in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.

As part of the campaign, officers said they would apply for ASBOs against anyone charged with theft from vehicles.

Nerney, of Hobart Street, Burnley, admitted two theft charges and asked for seven to be taken into consideration.

He was bailed until next month for a pre-sentence report, on condition he lives at his home address.

The defendant was told he must be at home for two hours before, during and two hours after a match and must not enter any vehicle without the owner's consent.

Bench chairwoman Anne Cheetham told Nerney he could listen to the game on the radio.

Mark Williams, defending, said Nerney had accepted responsibility for his actions. He had been in debt to people who had threatened him and had gone out to raise money.

Mr Williams said Nerney had come out of custody and had not been involved in drugs for months but got involved at the end of last year.

The solicitor continued: "He wants to continue working with the probation service to try and come to terms with his drugs problems and his offending behaviour."