Dismantling of a theft network targeting Home Depot stores in Hamilton and charging 32 people

Hamilton Police announced charges against 32 individuals, following an extensive investigation into an organized network suspected of targeting «Home Depot» stores and stealing high-value tools and equipment to resell online.

The operation, named «Project Check Out», resulted in 235 criminal charges, the recovery of suspected stolen property valued at over $300,000, along with the seizure of a 2021 «Ram TRX» truck, valued at approximately $100,000, suspected to be proceeds of crime.

25% Increase in Thefts

The police began the investigation after noticing a 25% increase in theft incidents inside «Home Depot» stores in the city of Hamilton.

What started as separate investigations into store thefts later revealed, according to the police, an organized activity involving groups targeting high-value tools and construction equipment.

The investigations showed that the stolen items were then offered for sale on e-commerce platforms at prices significantly lower than their original store value.

In several incidents, some suspects threatened to use violence when store employees tried to intervene to prevent thefts or recover goods.

Raids and Seizure of Hundreds of Tools

The investigation lasted four months, during which the police executed two search warrants at a commercial property and a residential home.

During the raids, investigators found hundreds of tools and materials suspected to be linked to the thefts, and the police obtained 15 court orders as part of the investigation.

The high-value truck was also seized after investigators considered it property likely acquired from criminal proceeds.

The police did not announce details of all charges against each suspect but confirmed that the case is related to organized thefts and the resale of stolen property.

Cooperation Between Police and «Home Depot»

The operation was conducted in cooperation between Hamilton Police and the Asset Protection team of «Home Depot», which provided investigators with information and materials that helped identify suspects and track stolen goods.

The police confirmed that organized store thefts do not only result in company losses, as online sales platforms are used to dispose of stolen goods and return them to illegal markets.

They added that these activities may contribute to funding other crimes, in addition to imposing additional costs on stores and consumers due to losses and security measures.

The police believe that dismantling the network led to the recovery of a large amount of property, prevented additional theft incidents, and reduced the supply of stolen tools in the illegal market.

The charges in the case remain allegations not proven in court, and the suspects are presumed innocent until final judicial rulings are issued against them.

The wording relied on official details announced by Hamilton Police on July 21, 2026, including the number of suspects, charges, value of seizures, and duration of the investigation.