Woman charged after burglary attempt at Robert De Niro's home

Police found a 30-year-old woman in the living room of Robert De Niro's rented townhouse property in Manhattan, New York, and arrested her shortly after on Monday morning

30-year-old Shanice Aviles was caught allegedly trying to steal presents from beneath Robert De Niro's Christmas tree in New York City, and has been charged with burglary.

She is though to have entered the actor's building's basement in the early hours of Monday morning, police later found signs of a forced entry.

It is reported that The 79-year-old actor came downstairs in his dressing gown after he heard the commotion. A spokesperson for De Niro said the actor was fine, and had no comment.

He added the alleged burglary on the Upper East Side took place at a home he was renting temporarily.

A New York police spokesperson said officers followed Ms Aviles into the apartment, where they caught her in the living room as she allegedly attempted to put presents from the tree into her bag.

Officers reportedly did not know the home was De Niro's. A police spokesperson said the investigation was ongoing.

Two-time Academy Award winner De Niro was born and raised in Manhattan.