A young burglar who targeted two popular Isle of Wight seaside cafes was caught in large part due to the distinctive jacket he was wearing and neglected to change.

Louis Montague-Willis, of St John’s Road, Shanklin, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Tuesday, September 17.

The 20-year-old admitted burglary, and attempted burglary, in Ryde, on May 30.

Prosecutor, Liz Miller, said Montague-Willis and an accomplice gained entry at Appley Beach Cafe, causing damage to a patio door in the process.

Police were alerted at around 8am the following morning, the cafe owner reporting a till drawer was missing, together with a bank card, the CCTV switch had been turned off, and bottles of alcohol were taken.

Police were also told a failed attempt had been made to use the stolen credit card on an Xbox account.

Ms Miller said the cash drawer was later found in grass close to the cafe, completely empty.

The court heard on the same day, on the same seafront, the pair tried to gain entry at The Dell Cafe, smashing a window and forcing a couple of external doors.

Ms Miller said the cafe’s alarm and CCTV was triggered and Montague-Willis was identified on CCTV, both at the scene and at his then accommodation at The Foyer, wearing a distinctive jacket.

Both Montague-Willis and his accomplice were arrested, and the court heard £900 worth of damage was caused to the two cafes.

Michael McGoldrick, defending, said Montague-Willis regretted the stupid idea the pair had come up with.

The court heard he admitted taking the alcohol from The Appley Beach Cafe bar while his accomplice took the bank card.

Mr McGoldrick said the offences were not sophisticated, was spur of the moment, and moderate damage was caused.

Montague-Willis saw his case adjourned to November 29 so a pre-sentence report could be drawn up.

He was granted conditional bail.