13-Member Retail Theft Crew Busted for Stealing $2.2 Million in Merchandise

Home Depot Theft Ring Busted

• 🎯 A 13-member crew has been arrested for targeting Home Depot stores across nine Northeast states.
• 💰 Authorities estimate the crew stole over $2.2 million in merchandise, which was then sold on the black market.
• 🗓️ The investigation began in April 2024 after stolen Home Depot merchandise was identified being sold online.

Modus Operandi

• 🛒 The crew allegedly met in Queens, New York, to plan their heists and transport stolen goods.
• 🛠️ Stolen items included electrical wiring, spray foam, insulation, outlets, hammers, and air conditioners.
• 🔄 Some stores were targeted multiple times, with one Home Depot being hit four times in a single day.

Law Enforcement Response

• 🚨 This operation is being called the largest bust of a retail theft ring in Queens history.
• 🤝 The bust was a joint effort between local and state authorities, including Governor Kathy Hochul and District Attorney Katz.
• 📦 In addition to arrests, investigators seized 14 storage units and eight vehicles.
• 🔍 Store security footage captured one suspect tossing dozens of CO detectors into a garbage container before rolling it out of the store without payment.