Wandsworth has successfully prosecuted three more residents in its continuing battle against benefit fraudsters.

The councils anti-fraud team was alerted to the cheats after receiving conflicting information about their personal circumstances.

All three were convicted of deception at South Western Magistrates Court and will now have to pay back the money they fraudulently claimed.

Doreen Janes of Huntingfield Road, Putney, pleaded guilty to five charges of deception after she failed to declare her occupational pension and falsely claimed £9,996. She was given a 12 month conditional discharge.

Shaid Sheik of West Drive, Tooting Bec, pleaded guilty to one charge after he failed to declare he had left the address he was claiming benefit for and falsely claimed £1,623. He was fined £100 and ordered to pay £270 costs.

Violet Simpson of Thurleigh Road, Balham, pleaded guilty to six charges. She failed to declare she owned a property other than the one she was claiming benefit for and fraudulently claimed £2,955. She was conditionally discharged for six months.

Anyone with information about benefit fraud can call the councils benefit investigation service on 020 8235 5343.

Information can also be left anonymously on the councils free, 24 hour Fraudwatch hotline on 0500 500 777.