Southern California Crime Ring Arrested for 600 Home Depot Thefts

Authorities in Southern California have dismantled the largest organized retail theft ring targeting Home Depot stores nationwide, responsible for over 600 thefts across 71 locations in Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. The crime ring, led by David Ahl, stole an estimated $10 million worth of high-value electrical components, which were resold through a storefront in Tarzana. Operation Kill Switch resulted in the arrest of 14 individuals, with nine charged and facing multiple felony counts including conspiracy, grand theft, and money laundering. Law enforcement agencies highlighted the complexity of the investigation, which involved consolidating theft cases across multiple counties under new legislation enabling unified prosecution. Officials emphasized that this was a sophisticated criminal enterprise rather than simple shoplifting, with stolen goods and nearly $3.7 million in illicit profits seized. Home Depot condemned the thefts, noting the threat such organized crime poses to customers and communities.