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Sandra Yi Reporting Shoplifting is always a big problem during the holidays, and theft may be only the beginning of the problem for some stores.
It is not rare for shoplifters to turn violent when confronted.
That's what happened at a Ream's store when workers tried to stop two suspected shoplifters. The case has prompted police to put out a warning for everyone.
Casey Cox: "It's something they've probably done countless times."
Ream's manager Casey Cox knows all about shoplifters' tricks. He spotted one last week, and let the cameras catch the crime.
Casey Cox/ Manager, Ream's: "I think he came right in here first and he grabbed three or four pair, set it in the cart, then he grabbed another whole stack and set them on the cart."
Surveillance video shows the suspect wandering the store, and on the cell phone, most likely communicating with his accomplice, who was waiting outside.
The two took turns filling up a cart.
Casey Cox: "They had the jeans. They actually had ham, some milk, other items in the shopping cart. Came out of $419."
One suspect is seen casually walking toward the door, then grabbing the goods.
Workers tried to stop him. The cameras didn't catch it on tape, but the second suspect saw what was happening, grabbed a mop from a nearby pet shop, and began assaulting several employees.
Casey Cox: "Our snack bar manager got hit in the forearm as he tried to block the mop. It barely missed another employee's head. It missed his head and he tried to block it with his arm."
Brady Kerns, who works at the pet shop, broke a wrist bone trying to tackle one of the suspects.
Brady Kerns/ Tried to Stop Shoplifter: "From what I witnessed, they were definitely violent from the get-go."
Police say shoplifting crimes increase during the holidays, and thieves will prey on shoppers. But police want criminals to know it isn't worth it.
Sgt. Victor Quezada/ Sandy Police Dept.: "A simple shoplifting can turn into something major that can send you to prison or possibly ruin the rest of your life. I'm sure people don't plan on something so simple turning into something so bad, but it happens all the time."
Brett and David Goodman now face some serious charges, including robbery and aggravated assault.
Police found drug paraphernalia in their car.
Police also want to remind everyone to keep their doors locked and holiday packages out of sight.
