Two burglars who entered the Selma Belk store hoped for a late night haul of stolen merchandise.

But in the end, Selma Chief of Police William Riley said they didn’t stand a dog’s chance.

Riley said Melvin Coleman, 21, and a 12-year-old juvenile were taken into custody after authorities arrived at the store at about 11:48 p.m. on Jan. 12 when alarms were activated at the loading dock, jewelry department and children’s department.

“As an officer pulled into the parking lot, she observed a short black male standing in the doorway, and the doorway was propped open,” he said. “The suspect then ran back in the store at which time she was joined on the scene by other officers. Officers made a brief entry in search of the suspect.”

It was then that officers called out the dogs. The new K-9 unit arrived on the scene and quickly sniffed out the suspects.

“Sergeant Miller along with the other officers standing outside the perimeter went into the store and the K-9 was able to find the two males hiding in the cage area of the store,” he said. “The suspects were detained and detectives were called to the scene.”

Both suspects were arrested and charged with burglary second degree.

Coleman’s bond was set at $20,000. He remained in Dallas County Jail as of Saturday Riley said the dog was able to corner both suspects with no injuries or incidents.