The couple – named only as Martin and Liz – were arrested in Poinciana, Florida on New Year’s Eve after officers responded to a 911 call from the house they were burgling.

According to Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Liz told officers that “she called 911 for the purpose of having law enforcement assist her and Martin with moving their belongings from the house… and they were trying to get a ride to the airport, because they wanted to go to New York for the weekend”.

However, officers quickly established that neither of the burglars had a connection to the property and soon recognised Martin as a suspect in the burglary of a dollar store the previous night.

Martin was arrested for the store burglary and theft, and was also charged with burglary of a residence. Liz was also arrested and charged with burglary to the residence.

The sheriff’s office added: “Deputies DID help them with their belongings, and DID give them a ride, but it wasn’t to the airport… it was to the Polk Pokey. And they are welcome to stay there all weekend long. The Polk Pokey is much better than New York anyway.”