New York City Busts Major Home Depot Theft Ring Spanning Multiple States

A significant theft ring operating across various states has been dismantled in New York City. The operation was responsible for stealing approximately $2.2 million in home improvement products from Home Depot locations.

Bust of Major Home Depot Theft Ring

On Thursday, New York officials announced a sweeping indictment involving 13 individuals charged with grand larceny, conspiracy, and possession of stolen property. The indictment consists of 780 counts, highlighting the extensive scale of the operation. One suspect remains at large.

Details of the Theft Operation

• Total value of stolen merchandise: $2.2 million
• Number of theft incidents: 319
• States affected: 9 (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Delaware, Maryland)
• Home Depot stores involved: 128

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz noted that the thefts occurred across nine states. The gang commonly targeted insulation kits, power tools, air conditioners, and other high-value items.

The Method of Operation

The alleged thieves operated in organized groups. They often parked near store exits, facilitating quick escapes with stolen goods. Investigations began in June 2024, revealing an intricate scheme where crew members stole between $1,800 and nearly $35,000 worth of items daily.

The ringleader, identified as 52-year-old Armando Diaz from Flushing, coordinated the operation using earbuds to communicate with the crew. The members would distract employees while concealing stolen merchandise in 96-gallon garbage bins or behind large materials.

Distribution of Stolen Goods

After stealing the items, the crew sold them to black market retailers, often referred to as “fences.” These individuals would place specific orders for stolen goods, reselling them through channels like Facebook Marketplace or storefronts in Brooklyn.

Legal Consequences and Government Response

If convicted, the suspects face harsh penalties: up to 25 years for the thieves and 15 years for the fences. New York Governor Kathy Hochul praised the arrest, emphasizing the state’s commitment to combating organized retail theft. She stated that following a rise in crime post-pandemic, resources were allocated to combat these issues more effectively.

This incident isn’t the only major theft ring bust this year. In August, 14 individuals were arrested in Southern California for stealing over $10 million worth of goods, indicating a broader trend in retail crime.

The crackdown on these organized theft rings underscores a heightened focus on retail security and public safety in New York and beyond.