Man Arrested for Allegedly Stealing $250,000 Worth of Lego and Toys from Adelaide Department Stores.

A man was arrested for allegedly stealing $250,000 worth of Lego and toys from Adelaide department stores to resell online. Police discovered 2,500 individual items, including 1,700 unopened boxes of Lego, at his Royal Park address. The man, 41, has been charged with theft and unlawful possession and will appear in court later this month. Operation Measure aims to target recidivist offenders and reduce retail theft.

Authorities in Southern California have announced the arrest of 14 individuals accused of running what they describe as the largest organized retail theft operation targeting Home Depot in the company's history. Nine of the suspects face felony charges, with alleged losses exceeding $10 million across multiple counties [1].

The operation involved 600 thefts at 71 different Home Depots, with the ringleader, David Ahl, operating from a storefront called ARIA Wholesale in Tarzana. Ahl faces 48 felony counts, including conspiracy, organized retail theft, grand theft, receiving stolen property, and money laundering [1].

Ahl's "boosters" would systematically steal expensive electrical components like breakers, dimmers, and switches, sometimes hitting every Home Depot in Ventura County in a single day. The stolen goods were then allegedly delivered to Ahl's business or home in trash bags or Home Depot boxes. The investigation also led to the arrest of Ahl's brother-in-law, who allegedly sold stolen merchandise through eBay, and Ahl's ex-wife and her boyfriend, who were accused of running a nearly identical fencing operation [1].

During searches, investigators seized an estimated $3.7 million in Home Depot property and $800,000 in what they described as "dirty money" from alleged money laundering operations. Surveillance footage captured suspects in action, including one who allegedly climbed around security measures when Home Depot placed high-value items behind cages and on higher shelves [1].

The operation was funded through a state grant program targeting organized retail theft. All defendants remain in custody, with bail set between $250,000 and $500,000 [1].

The arrests underscore the ongoing challenge of organized retail crime, which not only affects profits but also the well-being and safety of customers, associates, and communities. Home Depot's Regional Asset Protection Manager, Darlene Hermosillo, emphasized the importance of protecting the company's assets and customers from such criminal enterprises [1].

References:
[1] https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/14-arrested-largest-home-depot-181718153.html
[2] https://abcnews.go.com/US/14-arrested-largest-home-depot-theft-ring-officials/story?id=124990974