NEW YORK — A massive retail theft ring that hit Home Depot stores across nine states has been busted, marking one of the largest operation of its kind.
Prosecutors say the crew stole more than $2.2 million worth of tools and construction equipment during 319 separate incidents at 128 Home Depot locations. Enough gear was taken to “build an unknown number of houses,” and the items were easy to resell for profit.
Thirteen people have been charged in a 780-count indictment for stealing and fencing more than $2 million worth of goods from Home Depot stores in New York and eight other states.
The amount of merchandise stolen in a single day ranged from about $1,800 to nearly $35,000.
Investigators say the defendants met in Queens, New York, hatched their plan, and transported stolen goods back to Queens to sell for profit. The crew allegedly split into two groups, checking online inventory the night before each theft to target specific stores.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the takedown on Thursday.
“Since taking office, my highest priority has been driving down crime and keeping New Yorkers safe,” Hochul said. “Following a post-pandemic spike in retail theft, I committed new funds to establish a dedicated organized retail theft task force and secured stronger laws to hold people who commit these crimes accountable.
Hochul added that the takedown of retail theft rings makes doing business safer for owners, staff, and shoppers in the state.
“Thirteen defendants, over $2.2 million in merchandise, 319 incidents of theft, nine states and 128 separate Home Depot stores are the facts alleged, resulting in a 780-count indictment,” District Attorney Katz said. “The defendants took breaks for lunch and dinner, sometimes hitting the same Home Depot up to four times in one day. The stolen items were then resold to consumers, through a Brooklyn storefront or on Facebook Marketplace.”
Katz said they worked with the state police to bring the operation to a halt.
Hochul said the takedown is thanks in part to stronger larceny laws that allowed investigators to combine incidents, turning cases from misdemeanors to felonies.
“Since we changed the laws and put money behind this effort, retail theft crimes are down 14% in the city and across the state of New York,” Hohcul said.
Eleven of the suspects faced a judge on Wednesday.
“The message today is organized retail crime will not go unanswered in this borough,” Katz said.
Police are still searching for one of the 13 defendants. The members of the alleged theft crew face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
Copyright © 2025 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.
