US thief caught red-handed claims 'I was looking for ISIS'

An American woman who was caught stealing from cars outside a school has claimed she was looking for members of the extremist group ISIS.

Lisa Carol Roche, 41, was seen by authorities in the car park of her children’s school in Mississippi stealing sunglasses and other personal items from vehicles.

When caught in the act, Ms Roche told local police that she was searching for ISIS terrorists.

She has been arrested and charged with commercial burglary of an automobile, and could face up to five years behind bars and a US$10,000 fine.

According to local police, she has a history of arrests including misdemeanour careless driving, felony embezzlement and felony burglary.

Roche was taken to a local police station where she will remain until a court hearing next week.