A man was apprehended by a staff member when trying to steal from Mitre 10 MEGA in Whanganui.
Angus Alistaire Graeme Mars made his way to the hardware section on November 18, grabbing a packet of stainless steel hex screws and a drill bit.
Mars stuffed the items down his pants to conceal them, then walked past the checkouts and through the doors, exiting the building on Taupo Quay.
"Challenged by a staff member, he removed the stolen items from his pants and handed them back," police prosecutor Drew Morrison said in Whanganui District Court.
"In explanation he stated he took the items because he needed them and had no money."