These opportunist thieves would have their noses in the trough had it not have been for a quick-thinking bystander.

Two men, Kieron Finan, 18, and Raymond Taylor, 31, were walking their dog near the BedZed complex in Wallington when they spotted the opportunity to make some easy money.

Upon seeing a large metal trough, which is usually reserved for growing plants, the two conjured a cunning plan.

Mr Taylor rang his wife Rebecca Taylor to ask her to come and pick them up from on Helios Road, with their booty in tow, well, more on roof, Croydon Magistrates Court heard.

When Mrs Taylor, 29, arrived on the scene, the two hapless thieves attempted to balance the trough on top of her car and make their getaway.

Unfortunately for them, a bystander saw what they were up to and took a picture on her phone. When they were questioned, they said they were simply moving the aluminium trough out of the way as it could cause an obstruction to others.

They eventually gave up, dropping it and driving off.

On Wednesday November 23, the three admitted their guilt at the last minute. Representing himself in Croydon Magistrates Court, Raymond Taylor, from Carshalton, said: "Sorry for what I did, I was just a bit skint at the time."

Head Magistrate Margaret Meade, said the attempted theft "lacked sophistication" before conditionally discharging Mrs Taylor and Finan.

Raymond Taylor was fined £205.