Thieves Turned Stealing From Home Depot Into Science
The Home Depot improvement store is seen in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
Authorities in New York say they have dismantled a large-scale retail theft ring that allegedly turned stealing from Home Depot into a carefully organized operation. Prosecutors say the Queens-based group stole roughly $2.2 million worth of merchandise from nearly 130 Home Depot stores across nine states, according to NBC News.
The thefts themselves were often simple. Investigators say suspects would load items such as air conditioners onto shopping carts or into rolling trash bins and walk them straight out of the store, People reports. But behind the scenes, officials say the operation was highly coordinated.
Prosecutors say members of the group regularly searched online inventory to target specific stores, then met around 5:30 a.m. to plan their moves as part of what authorities dubbed “Operation Checkout.” Once inside the stores, suspects entered separately and communicated through earbuds while posing as regular shoppers, according to a statement from the Queens District Attorney’s Office. As they exited, one person might distract employees, or the group would conceal themselves by placing large sheets of plywood or drywall on their carts.
Police say the stolen merchandise was then sold to black-market buyers, including a Brooklyn storefront and online sellers using Facebook Marketplace. About $1.5 million worth of stolen goods has been recovered so far, and officials expect that total to increase.
Thirteen people have been arrested in connection with the case, including the alleged ringleader, 52-year-old Armando Diaz. If convicted, Diaz faces up to 25 years in prison.
About Post Author
