Cop 'broke in house to do laundry'

A US police officer is accused of breaking into his neighbour's home to use the washing machine and tumble dryer.

Jason Rocco has been charged with trespassing and criminal mischief after allegedly breaking into a home in Avalon, Pennsylvania, reports WPXI Pittsburgh.

According to police, the owner of the home contacted police after noticing his electric bill was high, despite not having lived in the house for months.

The homeowner told police he walked into his house and heard the dryer running. He found a load of clothes inside, including police and Marine Corps T-shirts.

Investigators believe Rocco broke in through the back of the house. When questioned, he told police the door was already broken and he "just had to do some laundry".