Tense footage captured the moment young thieves were thwarted in their attempt to rob a Dan Murphy's and ordered to return the alcohol. 

Two teenagers, wearing black hoodies and bum bags, were caught trying to leave the liquor store in Tuggerah, on the NSW Central Coast.

A customer was seen in the footage telling one of them to 'step the f*** back' and return the bottles to the shelves. 

One of the thieves walked back to the aisle where they had swiped the two bottles of wine. 

A patron snatched a case of alcohol from the second teenager. 

Footage showed a staff member walking with the pair, ensuring all items were returned, and escorting them outside. 

'Too late boys, you're already on video,' someone could be heard saying as the teenagers walked out with their hoodies pulled down covering their faces.

The video was shared to social media, where many Aussies praised the bystanders. 

'Bloody love Aussies! Maybe we need more of this – people who join together and say nope, not on our watch,' one said.

'Thank you to the brave locals,' a second said.

'Awesome, that's all it takes. People standing up and saying, "No, not today sunshine",' a third said. 

'That's all it takes people, well done,' another said.

'Power to the people,' a fifth wrote.  

Some also felt new laws needed to be in place. 

'Under 18s shouldn't enter without an adult and need proof of ID to buy alcohol,' one said. 

'All bottle shops should have security at the door,' a second said. 

'I can't see why it isn't legal to ban underage people from entering a liquor store if not accompanied by an adult considering they can't purchase alcohol,' a third said.   

A NSW Police spokesman told Daily Mail investigations were underway.

'The Tuggerah Lakes Police District's Proactive Crime Team are aware of the incident and have commenced inquiries,' he said. 

'Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.'