TWO women who went on a shoplifting spree in Worcester have been given conditional discharges.

Natalie Rouse and Hollie Saunders, both aged 20 and of Leswell Lane, Kidderminster, admitted two counts of shoplifting when they appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court.

Adrian Jones, prosecuting, said Rouse took a top worth £35 from Top Shop on High Street along with a £35 jumper from Warehouse.

Saunders took two ballgowns and a cardigan worth a total of £290 from Monsoon and jeans worth £30 from Top Shop.

Mr Jones said the pair had been spotted "acting suspiciously" on Monday, January 14, by shopkeepers in Warehouse, who contacted CCTV operators.

"When they entered Monsoon their suspicious activity continued. Staff were concerned with their behaviour," he said.

When the pair went into Top Shop a few doors away from Monsoon they tried on a number of items in the changing room and the manager who spoke to them saw discarded hangers on the floor.

"They left the store without making a purchase," he said, adding the manager then detained them outside and called the police.When searched, the items were found.

Some were damaged from the security tags being pulled off them and others were being worn by the pair.

In mitigation David Taylor said a man had also been with the girls at the time but not questioned by police.

"He was actively involved," he said, stating the man had persuaded and cajoled the women to help him.

Both women were given 18 month conditional discharges and ordered to pay compensation.