A Pembroke woman admitted trying to steal rain pants in order to pay off a drug debt.

Kyla Stowe, 34, of Friswells Hill, pleaded guilty to the sole count when she appeared in Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Crown counsel Larissa Burgess told the court that on Thursday, Stowe went into Marine Locker and was greeted by the manager who asked if she needed help.

The defendant said 'no' and went to the back of the store in the clothing area. Again the manager asked if she needed help and she again said 'no'.

Stowe was approached by another employee who offered his assistance, but she refused it again.

The manager then went upstairs and watched her on the surveillance camera. He saw her take a pair of Helly Hansen rain pants valued at $150 and shove them under her jacket.

When he approached her about the pants, she apologised. Police officers were called and came to arrest the defendant.

At the Hamilton Police Station, Stowe admitted the offence and explained she did not usually shoplift, but she needed to pay off a drug debt.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner adjourned the matter to January 30 and ordered a social inquiry report and BARC report and bailed Stowe in the amount of $1,000.