A Belgian store owner foiled an armed robbery on Saturday by telling the would-be thieves to return later when there would be more money in the till.

The gang duly complied - only to be arrested by waiting police officers, broadcaster RTL reported on Tuesday.

"I told them they'd be better off robbing me at half past six," Charleroi e-cigarette seller Didier told the channel.

"I could see I wasn't dealing with geniuses."

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