A PNE fan whose car was vandalised during a match was given the VIP treatment by security bosses.

Stewards came to the rescue of the anonymous motorist who had to move his smashed up car from Deepdale Retail Park during the game against Burnley on Saturday (Feb 7). Thugs had also ripped out the stereo.

The man could find nowhere to park. Meanwhile, the game was stacking up goals galore, so North End security chief Nigel Webster let him use the club's official car park, normally reserved for executives and special guests.

The man has since faxed his thanks to Deepdale staff who were 'very helpful and courteous'.

The radio theft was the latest in a spate of car crime on roads around the stadium. Sergeant Mark Farnworth, who is on duty on match days, said: "We know there's a problem. We mount operations for most matches and have had results, but car owners should always secure vehicles and lock away or hide possessions.

"Criminals must realise if they break-in to cars we will catch them."

And Nigel Webster urged drivers to park on any of the official PNE carparks which are stewarded at all times.

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