Officers have warned people against making false crime reports after a Bradford woman claimed her TV had been stolen – only to be caught watching it.

The 22-year-old, of Allerton, had originally reported the TV and a Playstation 3 stolen from her home during a break-in on November 5.

When officers from Airedale and North Bradford CID visited her eight weeks later as part of the investigation they found her watching the TV she had claimed was stolen.

The woman, who has not been named, was fined £80 after she admitted the offence.

Detective Sergeant Pat Noon, of Airedale and North Bradford CID, said: “In these times of hardship we might see more people tempted to report false burglaries.

“Those who do can expect to be caught and punished.

“We had suspicions about this report after it was made and, following further investigations, decided to pay a repeat visit. When officers went round they found the television, which had been hidden, was in the house and the complainant had been watching it.

“False allegations tie up valuable time which officers could use to help real victims of crime. It is a source of frustration for us.”