Two men have been found guilty of falsely claiming benefits amounting to more than £25,000.

Following an anonymous tip-off, it was found that David Danns, of Heath Road, Twickenham, had been overpaid £5,767 housing benefit and £1,570 in council tax benefit.

Danns pleaded guilty to failing to declare his part-time earnings to the Richmond Council’s revenue and benefits department.

He was given a 12-month community order and 80 hours’ unpaid work. Richmond Council also received £1,000 costs.

Councillor Geoffrey Samuel, the council’s deputy leader, said: “Once again we have succeeded in exposing benefit cheats. Benefit cheats be warned – we will leave no stone unturned in rooting out fraudulent claims.”

Philip Levine of Farm Road, Hounslow, was also investigated by the council’s internal audit and investigation team and the Department for Work and Pensions after he continued to claim benefits, despite having more than £16,000 undeclared savings.

He was overpaid £19,117 in council tax benefit. He pleaded guilty, was given a £1,500 fine and was ordered to pay legal costs of £1,100.

To report benefit fraud call the confidential whistle-blowing hotline on 0800 389 9795.