NEWELL, W.Va. -- Two people were arrested by Hancock County deputies Monday night after investigators said the men were caught stealing items from a warehouse in Newell during a sting operation.

Matthew Mazza, 49, of Newell, and Donald Johnson, 53, of East Liverpool, were charged with breaking and entering and grand larceny. Hancock County Sheriff Mike White said both were being held in the Northern Regional Jail on $50,000 bond.

"The officers noticed some guys trying to get into the building. (The deputies) allowed them to take some stuff into possession," said White. "Pretty much shut the door behind them so to speak. When (deputies) came for the apprehension, (the suspects) had no where to go."

White said the men were being investigated as possible suspects in other thefts around Hancock County.

"The one guy was arrested on the break in at the car dealership there in Newell," said White. "That time he said he fell into the window, and this time, he was just happening along in the area."

White said a local scrap helped jump start their investigation. Workers at the scrap yard contacted the sheriff's office after they noticed items that appeared too new to be discarded for scrap.