A 29-year-old Lithuanian seen acting suspiciously in JJB was found to have a £40 adidas top on under his own clothes.
Blackburn magistrates heard that when police were called they found a pair of pliers which Audrius Bartkevicius had used to remove the security tag.
Bartkevicius, 29, of Fleet Street, Nelson, pleaded guilty to shoplifting and going equipped for theft.
He was ordered to do 80 hours unpaid work.
Michael Singleton, defend-ing, said Bartkevicius worked on a casual basis at a car wash and received £25 a day cash in hand when he worked.
"If the weather isn't suitable he is sent home," said Mr Singleton.
"He is clearly paid well below the minimum wage and is trying to get on with an agency."
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