LOCKY SHOT: Hapless Hold-Up Crooks Gunned Down After Locking Themselves Into Shop They Were Robbing

A hapless hold-up gang was gunned down by the owner of the store they were robbing after they locked themselves in while they were looting the shop.

The three armed crooks had been holding the owner’s terrified sister at gunpoint when they found themselves suddenly facing a hail of bullets.

But as they tried to flee, the bungling crooks could not open the front door they had locked when they entered the store.

Armed thieves attempt to rob a in a clothing store in Sao Mateus, Brazil, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022. Two of the theives were shot by the owner and arrested. (Newsflash)

A security camera inside the men’s clothing store in Sao Mateus, Espirito Santo state, south-eastern Brazil caught the drama as it unfolded.

The footage shows how three men wearing motorcycle helmets entered the store and announced the hold-up.

One of the men can be seen pointing a handgun at the terrified cashier as another joins her behind the till to rummage around for cash.

But their efforts are cut short when the business owner is seen coming down the stairs and shooting at the crooks.

Armed thieves attempt to rob a in a clothing store in Sao Mateus, Brazil, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022. Two of the theives were shot by the owner and arrested. (Newsflash)

The three men can be seen running for their lives in a hail of gunfire as the footage ends.

The 25-year-old business owner asked to not be identified out of fear of reprisals. He told local media: “Upstairs I have access to the monitoring and I managed to see the whole scene.

“I waited cautiously to confirm it was a robbery and not do anything wrong. When I saw the revolver in his hand pointing at my sister I was certain and I responded.

“When he saw me, he tried to shoot, then I retaliated and shot all three.”

A store owner shoots armed thieves in a clothing store in Sao Mateus, Brazil, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022. Two of the theives were shot and arrested. (Newsflash)

As the bungling crooks had locked the door to the store, they had trouble escaping. As a result, two were shot and later arrested, said Military Police.

The third managed to escape and is being searched for by Civil Police, who are investigating the incident.

Officers dispatched to the scene of the crime confirmed that the business owner had acted in self-defence.

They seized a revolver and two motorcycles, which they said had been stolen by the trio.

The two injured suspects were taken to Roberto Silvares Hospital. Their lives are not in danger, according to reports.

A store owner shoots armed thieves in a clothing store in Sao Mateus, Brazil, on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022. Two of the theives were shot and arrested. (Newsflash)

The businessman revealed that his store had been robbed at least three times and broken into twice in the past three years.

On one occasion, a robber had even pointed a gun at his mother, who had happened to be present at the time.

Because of this, he had decided to legally acquire a firearm. He told local media: “I got my gun in December of last year. We’ve been suffering from thugs since three years ago, when I opened the store.

“We pay for private security, we put cameras up, but these are big expenses. Last year I decided to apply and went through the whole process to have the right (to possess a gun).”