A man was arrested for stealing a broadband connection as he sat on a wall outside a house and used his laptop.

The 39-year-old was spotted by two PCSOs in Prebend Gardens, Chiswick, and when questioned he confessed to using an unsecured Wi Fi broadband connection.

Officers arrested the man who was taken to Chiswick police station yesterday morning.

He was handed over to the Computer Crime Unit and the bailed to return on October 11, pending further investigation.

DC Mark Roberts, from the Computer Crime Unit, said: "This arrest should act as a warning to anyone who thinks it is acceptable to illegally use other people's broadband connections.

"To do so potentially breaches the Computer Misuse Act and the Communications Act, so computer users need to be aware that this is unlawful and police will investigate any violation we become aware of."

A spokesman for Hounslow CID said: "This is a good example of the diverse approach PCSOs have to their community responsibilities."

The man was bailed to return to the police station in October.