California: Suspects Stole $10 Million From Southern California Home Depot Stores
August 27th, 2025Via: EpochTimes:
In February, Home Depot alerted Ventura County’s organized retail theft team about a rash of shoplifting offenses at their stores. The complex investigation led to more than 50 search warrants and an extensive surveillance operation.
The investigation led law enforcement to arrest 14 people allegedly connected to a sophisticated theft ring that was responsible for entering Home Depot stores, sometimes several times a day, and stealing expensive electrical equipment—including breakers, dimmers, switches, and outlets.
The shoplifters would start early in the morning, stuffing items in their clothing and reaching behind locked aisles, according to one video shown Aug. 26.
The alleged ringleader—David Ahl, 59—ran a storefront called ARIA Wholesale in Tarzana, according to Fryhoff.
Authorities say Ahl’s crew of thieves, known as boosters, would steal the merchandise and deliver it in trash bags or boxes to Ahl’s business or to his home, where he would allegedly pay them in cash.
Ahl would then allegedly sell the items at a reduced price to electrical contractors or other electrical businesses.
