Northland teen falls asleep on couch mid-robbery

File photo / Martin Sykes

A Northland teen has nominated herself for the incompetent criminals' hall of fame after allegedly breaking into a house, stealing cash - and falling asleep.

Kerikeri police Senior Sergeant Peter Robinson said a family awoke on Friday morning to find a stranger fast asleep on their couch.

She was identified as a 17-year-old from Kerikeri who had allegedly stolen money and "other bits and pieces" before dozing off.

She has been charged with burglary and will appear in the Kaikohe District Court.

Mr Robinson said alcohol had almost certainly played a part in her failed burglary.

The family had young children and found the incident "a wee bit scary", but the woman was arrested without incident.