Hamilton Police Launch Four‑Month Crackdown on Home Depot Theft
Hamilton police have laid 235 charges against 32 individuals following a four‑month investigation dubbed Project Checkout, sparked by a 25 % rise in thefts at local Home Depot stores.
Investigation Overview
Detectives examined the theft of high‑value tools and construction equipment, which organized groups then resold on online marketplaces at prices well below retail. In several incidents, employees who tried to intervene were threatened with violence.
Search warrants executed at a residential and a commercial property recovered more than $300,000 worth of suspected stolen items, including a 2021 Ram TRX valued at roughly $100,000, believed to be proceeds of the crime.
Outcome and Police Remarks
By disrupting the network, investigators reclaimed stolen property, prevented further offenses, and removed a substantial supply of illicit goods from the market. The department praised Home Depot’s Asset Protection Team for its “significant involvement” in the effort.
Police also noted that organized retail theft extends beyond the store, with stolen items often resold online, driving up costs for businesses and consumers.
Charges and Defendants
The 32 accused face a range of offences, primarily theft under $5,000, with several also charged with failure to comply with probation requirements, possession of stolen property, and related violations.
Names such as James Classen, Ronny Maroughi, Brandon Comley, and others appear on the charge list, reflecting a coordinated effort to hold each participant accountable.
How to Help
Anyone with information about organized retail theft or the handling of stolen property is urged to contact Det.-Const. Max Lamont at 905‑546‑2917 or Crime Stoppers at 1‑800‑222‑8477 (TIPS).
