LOS ANGELES — Southern California authorities have broken up what Home Depot calls the largest organized retail theft operation in its history, involving $10 million in stolen merchandise and more than 600 thefts this year alone.
According to prosecutors, the criminal ring targeted 71 Home Depot locations across multiple counties, focusing on high-value electrical items like circuit breakers and outlets. These items were then allegedly resold through an electronics business in the San Fernando Valley.
The ring’s suspected leader, David Ahl, 59, now faces a 48-count criminal complaint. If convicted, he could serve up to 32 years in prison. A total of nine individuals have been charged in connection with the operation.
The Los Angeles Times reports that the thefts spanned several years, causing major losses for the home improvement chain and prompting heightened efforts to curb organized retail crime in the region.
