Dole cheats caught working at cup final

Twenty-five dole cheats have been unmasked at the FA Cup Final.

Some were working on stalls selling flags and scarves to the fans of Arsenal and Southampton.

Others who were found to be claiming benefit while working were making cash on hot dog stalls and burger vans, outside the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

They were all snared in a joint operation by investigators from the Department of Work and Pensions and local trading standards officers backed-up by police.

Officials say the number caught cheating is likely to double as investigators check out details. They came from across the country.

Andrew Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: "We are determined to clamp down on benefit fraudsters who are costing taxpayers £2 billion a year and even tarnish showpiece occasions like the FA Cup Final.

"Taxpayers' money lost to fraud could be spent on hospitals and schools."

A spokesman for the department said other high-profile events would be targeted throughout the year.

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