TWO bungling shoplifters were caught on CCTV cameras making several attempts to steal an alpine fleece top from a Marlborough store, magistrates in Devizes heard on Tuesday.

Brothers Christopher and Matthew Pike, both of Warren Farm, Mildenhall, pleaded guilty to stealing the top, valued at £60, on December 23.

Becky Abbott, prosecuting, said the staff at Active Traveller noticed the fleece missing later that day and played back the CCTV footage.

They clearly saw 21-year-old Christopher and 19-year-old Matthew Pike acting suspiciously.

Christopher was seen trying to shove the garment under his coat but, as it still had its hanger on, it wouldnot fit.

He tried again as Matthew attemped to shield him from the gaze of the CCTV camera.

The brothers finally succeeded in thrusting the fleece into a shoulder bag and left the store.

John Hall, defending, said Christopher had lost his job shortly before Christmas.

He saw the fleece and thought it would make a nice present for someone.

He added: "It was as simple as incompetent a crime as you could wish to come across.

"It was crystal clear on video and there is no question about their guilt.

"It is about time they learned not to mess about. They are not particularly accomplished criminals."

The court heard that Matthew Pike had nine previous convictions and Christopher Pike was recently convicted of three counts of theft.

Christopher Pike was given a six-month period of community rehabilitation, formerly known as probation, and ordered to pay £30 compensation and £34 costs.

His brother Matthew was given a 12-month conditional discharge, ordered to pay £30 compensation and £34 costs.