THIS is the hysterical moment a thief falls off a ladder while he tries to rob a garden centre in a heist gone wrong.

Hilarious CCTV footage shows the crook climb onto a step ladder, holding a large plant pot in one arm.

The thief climbs atop the step ladder to pass over a stolen pot Credit: SWNS

The ladder suddenly gives way, sending him toppling to the ground Credit: SWNS

On the other side of a locked fence stands his accomplice, ready to receive the stolen garden decoration.

However, as he tries to pass the pot over the fence, the stepladder beneath him begins to wobble.

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Suddenly, the thief loses his balance and crashes down to earth with a bump.

Fortunately, a conveniently placed shrub is there to break his fall.

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The whole ordeal was captured on CCTV Credit: SWNS

Police have not yet identified the suspect or his accomplice Credit: SWNS

Clearly embarrassed, the man gets to his feet before quickly dashing off.

The shocking scenes took place at Jattvibederland Home Grown CIC on June 10.

Owner Gary Hillery was alerted to the botched theft when he arrived for work the next day and found a smashed terracotta pot on the ground.

It was only after he checked the CCTV that he realised what had happened.

Despite their apparent error, the suspect and accomplice were able to flee with around £220 worth of pots.

Gary, 56, said: “We have been burgled before so when we saw the smashed pots on the ground we knew it had happened again.

“But when I watched back the footage we realised the guy hadn’t had it easy while trying to steal from us.

“The bizarre thing is that if he had just taken a few steps to the right, the fence had no wire along the top there, so it would have made it a lot easier for him.

The crook quickly got back to his feet after the botched job Credit: SWNS

Despite the major mishap, he was still able to make off with a few items Credit: SWNS

“Seeing him falling from the ladder in the video shows the sort of person he is.

“They stole around £120 worth of pots this time and previously they got away with £150 worth of stock.”

The footage was later uploaded to social media with users reacting with a mixture of shock and amazement.

The video with the caption “Britain’s dumbest criminals” has since been viewed nearly 300,000 times.

One user wrote: “Don’t you just love karma”

Another added: “Shame it wasn’t a cactus he landed on.”

Gary, who has run the garden centre for 11 years, said: “Unfortunately there are some bad eggs trying to spoil it for everyone.

“But we have had some fantastic support from the local community and the police have been helpful and receptive so far.”