WOULD-BE benefit cheats have been warned that they are being watched.

Hartlepool Borough Council is on the offensive against fraudulent claimants and says that the results are improving.

Figures show that in 2005-6, six people were prosecuted, another six were given a penalty and a further 31 were cautioned.

These figures were up on the previous year, and the council says this reflects additional training, development and the effectiveness of its investigation staff.

Councillor Peter Jackson, the council's cabinet member for finance and performance management, said: "We remain committed to ensuring that people who are eligible for benefit receive their rightful entitlement.

"However, we are equally determined to ensure that people don't claim money that they are not entitled to, and we take a very firm line with those who deliberately set out to cheat the system."

Where fraudulent activity is found, the claimant must repay the overpayment of benefit in full and, depending on the circumstances, will also face either prosecution, a penalty of 30 per cent of the overpayment or a formal caution.

The councils benefit fraud hotline can be reached on (01429) 523044.