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WEST VALLEY CITY -- A West Valley City Walmart turned out to be one-stop shopping for a thief Friday morning. Police say he not only stole some expensive merchandise, he also stole the tool he used to commit the crime.
It happened around 2:30 in the morning at the Walmart on 5600 West and about 3200 South. Police say the man walked in the store and headed to the hardware section, where he picked up a crowbar.
The man then walked over to the electronics section, where he used the crowbar to pry open a display case. Police say employees and customers witnessed him steal several iPods and Nintendo DS gaming systems.
He loaded the items in a cart and headed for the parking lot.
"It is pretty gutsy; but when you have a large store that sells all of those items, those items are available. So, it's interesting," says West Valley police Capt. Tom McLachlan.
Police say a customer tried to stop the man in the parking lot but backed off after the alleged thief pulled out a knife and threatened him.
The thief then threw about half of the items in a white car and drove off. Witnesses were able to get a clear license plate number, but the car came back as a reported stolen vehicle.
Police aren't sure exactly how much merchandise the man made off with, but they estimate it could be worth several thousand dollars.
If you have any information, contact the West Valley City Police Department at 801-840-4000.
E-mail: jstagg@ksl.com
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