Police in California said thieves who stole a large television from a Sacramento home were thwarted when it would not fit in the getaway car.

Investigators said the burglars entered the home through a back window on Sunday afternoon, removed the TV and tried to load it into their Lexus.

When it proved too big, they left it on the curb and drove away.

The Sacramento Bee reports that a neighbour witnessed the crime and called the police, who traced the car to a 19-year-old man.

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of possession of stolen property.

Police are still looking for two suspected accomplices.