In a significant breakthrough, authorities in New York have dismantled a sophisticated retail theft operation that targeted Home Depot outlets across nine states. The scheme, among the largest of its kind, resulted in the theft of over $2.2 million in tools and construction equipment.

According to prosecutors, the group orchestrated 319 separate heists at 128 different Home Depot locations. The stolen goods, which included enough equipment to construct numerous houses, were effortlessly resold, generating substantial profits for the perpetrators.

A total of thirteen individuals are now facing charges in connection with this extensive criminal enterprise. They have been indicted on 780 counts related to the theft and fencing of more than $2 million worth of merchandise from Home Depot stores spanning New York and eight other states.

The scale of theft varied dramatically, with daily totals ranging from $1,800 to an astounding $35,000 worth of stolen merchandise. Investigators revealed that the accused would convene in Queens, New York, to devise their plans. After executing the thefts, they would return to Queens to offload the stolen goods for profit.

In executing their operation, the crew reportedly divided into two teams. They meticulously planned each theft by checking online inventories the night before, ensuring they targeted specific stores that promised the highest yield.

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.