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A would-be thief got more than he bargained for while allegedly trying to steal a bag from an American tourist.

The man ended up finding after finding himself bruised and tied up in front of a bemused crowd.

The tourist, from Florida, took no slack giving a few digs to his new friend before strapping him to a pole with a camping rope and hailing gardai.

Revellers on Moore street were left howling with laughter as gardai arrived at the scene and arrested the man on Tuesday evening.

A source told Dublin Live that the tourist was a big man who had been outside a shop with a Harley Davidson at time.

He said: "The man then approached him and tried to take his bag and phone but I'd say he regrets it now.

(Image: Dublin Live)

"He won't be doing that again any time soon."

What's worse for the man is he could have easily avoided it - if he had just returned a watch when given a chance.

After stealing the bag, the thief fled to an MMA gym and hid in their storage closet.

Busy staff realised after the American came thundering in and escorted him back out with the help of a Thai Boxer.

All the tourist's items were recovered apart from a watch which the thief insisted he didn't have.

He was told gardai would be called if he didn't return it, and his refusal confirmed his embarrassing fate.

After being strapped up to the pole, gardai came and found it in his trousers before arresting him.

Gardai confirmed the incident saying they were called to the scene around 6.30pm.

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