The fraudster was picked up by police during a blitz on benefit cheats in Sunderland, codenamed Operation Grime.

Police pulled over 65 vehicles across Sunderland South last week and arrested nine people suspected of working claiming benefits.

A 45-year-old Seaham man was also arrested in the crackdown for possession of a Class A drug and carrying an offensive weapon after being caught with a bag of suspected Ecstasy tablets, a baseball bat and several knives. He has been bailed awaiting toxicology reports.

Operation Grime was a joint operation between police, Customs and Benefit Fraud officers targeting benefit cheats and red diesel users.

Sergeant Steve Baker, of the South Community Team, who led the operation said: "This was a massive success. Not only did we catch benefit cheats and tax evaders, we also made a significant arrest for drugs offences and carrying offensive weapons.

"This should act as a warning. Police could pull you over at any time and if you are acting illegally you will be caught and prosecuted."

The operation was carried out on Leechmere Road, Blind Lane and Doxford Park Way by police based at Silksworth Infant School.

Customs officers also seized three vehicles after they were found to be using red diesel – coloured because UK tax has not been paid on it.

It is the second operation of its kind organised by the team working in partnership with other agencies and they warned today more would follow.

Inspector Graeme Rowlings said: "I am proud of what the team achieved during this well-organised operation.

"We are pleased to have caught nine benefit cheats – particularly the man who claimed to be wheelchair-bound but had actually been working as a removal man for five years.

"These people are stealing money from hard working tax payers, and that cash could be spent on schools, hospitals and services."