Photo: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Authorities in Queens, New York, have dismantled a major retail theft ring targeting Home Depot stores across nine states. The operation resulted in the theft of over $2.2 million worth of tools and construction equipment during 319 incidents at 128 Home Depot locations. Thirteen individuals have been charged in a 780-count indictment for their involvement in the scheme, which involved stealing and reselling the merchandise.
According to ABC7 Chicago, the thefts were meticulously planned, with the group meeting in Queens to organize their activities. They would check online inventories to target specific stores and sometimes hit the same store multiple times in a day. The stolen goods were then transported back to Queens to be sold through a Brooklyn storefront or on Facebook Marketplace.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the takedown, highlighting the impact of stronger larceny laws that helped elevate charges from misdemeanors to felonies. Hochul emphasized that these efforts have led to a 14% decrease in retail theft across New York. Katz stated, "The message today is organized retail crime will not go unanswered in this borough."
NBC New York reported that the defendants face up to 25 years in prison if convicted. The investigation, dubbed "Operation Self Checkout," involved state police and led to the recovery of approximately $1.5 million in stolen merchandise. Authorities continue to search for one of the defendants, while the rest have already faced a judge.
Photo Credit: Getty Images