More than 30 people are facing charges in connection with an investigation into “organized retail theft” targeting Home Depot, Hamilton police say.
The four-month probe, dubbed Project Checkout, was launched after police discovered a 25 per cent increase in thefts from Home Depot stores.
“What began as a series of shoplifting investigations quickly revealed an organized operation,” police said in a news release issued Tuesday.
“Investigators found organized groups were stealing high-value tools and construction equipment from Hamilton Home Depot stores before reselling the items through online marketplaces at prices well below retail.”
Police allege that in several incidents, suspects “threatened violence when store employees attempted to intervene.”
Investigators say two search warrants were subsequently carried out at a commercial property and residence where hundreds of suspected stolen tools and other items that are believed to be connected to the the theft ring were recovered.
A 2021 RAM TRX, valued at about $100,000, was also seized, police said.
Investigators say 32 people are facing a combined 235 criminal charges. More than $300,000 in suspected stolen property was recovered as part of the probe.
“Organized retail theft extends far beyond the store,” police said, noting that the criminal activity drives up costs for businesses and consumers.
“By disrupting this network, investigators recovered stolen property, prevented additional offences and removed a significant supply of stolen merchandise from the illegal marketplace,” Hamilton police said.
