Pick axe-wielding thieves smashed way into store twice in a week to steal beef jerky

A store in Weber County, Utah, has suffered two smash-and-grab burglaries in the past week, and deputies are trying to track down the two people responsible. The damage from the burglaries cost the owner of Sinclair Country Corner in Warren more than the actual items stolen, deputies said.

The odd thing about the thefts is that the men never go for cash - instead loading up on snacks and soda. Surveillance cameras caught two men pulling up in a light-coloured SUV just before 5am on Nov. 11. The scene quickly turned violent. "Got out, removed a pick axe from the vehicle and smashed the front door of the business," said Weber County sheriff's Lt. Mark Lowther.



As the two made their way inside the store, they seemed to pay no attention to the ATM or cash register. "They grab snacks, jerky, hostess products like that and then they immediately run back out and flee in a vehicle," Lowther said. They then returned to the same store on Monday just before 4am - this time in a dark-coloured pickup truck. "They're almost dressed identically both times," Lowther said. "One is a heavier individual, the other one is more slender."

Both men wore the same masks they used in the first burglary and used the same kind of pick to break the window, Lowther said. The men got away with around $200 worth of beef jerky, along with more snacks and soda. Repairing the door twice will cost well over that, according to the store owner. Deputies aren't aware of any similar burglaries in the area - it appeared the men targeted only the one store.

With news video.