Watch: Fed up, gas station clerk locks young alleged thieves inside, hits them with 'wet floor' sign

MILWAUKEE -- Teenage thieves have been making life miserable for gas station owners on Milwaukee's north side -- over and over again! One fed up clerk fought back, and it was all caught on camera.

Three teens walked into the Citgo at 27th and Capitol early Wednesday, September 6th, and an employee believes they've hit the store before. There was a much different outcome this time.

As three teens were about to try to steal some merchandise, the video shows one suspect take a quick look at the clerk and then his buddy at the door, and one walk right by a chip vendor before appearing to load up.

Citgo at 27th and Capitol

Something unexpected happened as he made his way to the exit!

Anin Mirle said his gas station at 27th and Capitol has been hit time and time again, and his co-worker in this case refused to fall victim.

Citgo at 27th and Capitol

Citgo at 27th and Capitol

Citgo at 27th and Capitol

When the teenage suspects made a run for the door, it was quickly locked by the clerk. Then, the video shows the clerk grabbing a teenager and trying to escort him out of the store. That's when a scuffle ensued.

One suspect grabbed a "wet floor" sign -- a move he would likely soon regret.

Citgo at 27th and Capitol

Citgo at 27th and Capitol

After the clerk appeared to retreat and he was followed, he fought back again.

"It's not silly. It's a serious crime. It's very real and a terrible situation for us to running a business," Mirle said.

Citgo at 27th and Capitol

Citgo at 27th and Capitol

Mirle said these suspects have hit his business before, and he shared video in May. The owner of a nearby convenience store shared their video of similar encounters in August.

"They know how to rob. They know to to steal. They know how to snatch," Mirle said.

Mirle said the clerk early Wednesday eventually opened the door, but the suspects tried to make one more move -- walking right back into a fight, only to leave with little, if anything from the store.

These brazen young criminals have store owners pleading for help from the city.

Citgo at 27th and Capitol

Citgo at 27th and Capitol

"The leaders should take responsibility," Mirle said.

Those at the store said they've been asking for more police patrols in the area, but so far, the crime hasn't stopped.

If you recognize the suspects -- you're asked to contact police.