Rapper Vanilla Ice charged in US burglary

MIAMI - Rap artist Vanilla Ice, who stormed to worldwide fame over two decades ago with smash-hit "Ice Ice Baby," has been taken into custody and charged with burglary and grand theft, US police said Wednesday.

Real name Robert Van Winkle, he allegedly stole several items between December and February from a foreclosed property adjacent to one he was renovating, the Lantana Police Department in Florida said in a statement.

Van Winkle, 47, provided a sworn statement to police and was taken into custody, according to Lantana police, who said the pilfered goods included a pool heater and furniture.

Police later returned the property to its rightful owner.

Van Winkle has failed to repeat the mammoth success of "Ice Ice Baby" and has been trying his luck recently in television.