AN investigation by Ontario’s Hamilton Police into organized retail theft has resulted in 32 people facing 235 criminal charges, the recovery of more than $300,000 in suspected stolen property, and the seizure of a 2021 Ram TRX valued at approximately $100,000.
As many as 13 of those charged are South Asians, ranging in age from 23 to 46.
After a 25 per cent increase in thefts at Hamilton Home Depot stores, Hamilton Police launched Project Checkout to identify those responsible and disrupt the organized resale of stolen merchandise.
What began as a series of shoplifting investigations quickly revealed an organized operation. Investigators found organized groups were stealing high-value tools and construction equipment from Hamilton Home Depot stores before reselling the items through online marketplaces at prices well below retail. In several incidents, offenders threatened violence when store employees attempted to intervene.
During the four-month investigation, police executed two search warrants at a commercial property and a residence, recovering hundreds of suspected stolen tools and other items believed to be connected to the theft ring. A 2021 Ram TRX, believed to be proceeds of crime and valued at approximately $100,000, was also seized.
“Organized retail theft extends far beyond the store. Stolen property is often resold online, fuelling criminal activity while driving up costs for businesses and consumers. By disrupting this network, investigators recovered stolen property, prevented additional offences and removed a significant supply of stolen merchandise from the illegal marketplace,” police said.
Hamilton Police worked closely with Home Depot’s Asset Protection Team, whose ongoing partnership and information sharing were instrumental in the success of the investigation.
South Asians charged:
Rajwinder Singh, 45
- Theft Under $5,000
Karanbir Singh, 31
- Theft Under $5,000
Sartaj Singh, 28
- Theft Under $5,000
- Fail to Comply with Probation (two counts)
Lakhvir Singh, 27
- Theft Under $5,000
Aashish Sharma, 34
- Theft Over $5,000
- Fail to Comply with Probation (two counts)
Vishkavjeet Singh, 23
- Theft Under $5,000
Vishavjeet Singh, 23
- Theft Under $5,000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
- Fail to Comply with Probation (two counts)
Manpreet Singh, 30
- Theft Under $5,000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
- Fail to Comply with Release Order (four counts)
Gurmeet Singh, 28
- Theft Under $5,000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
Daljinder Singh, 35
- Theft Under $5,000 (five counts)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 (five counts)
- Fail to Comply with Release Order (73 counts)
- Fail to Comply with Undertaking (five counts)
Gurjit Singh, 25
- Theft Over $5,000
- Theft Under $5,000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
- Disobey Court Order (two counts)
- Fail to Comply with Probation (three counts)
Malkit Singh, 46
- Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
- Possession of Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000
Kamaljit Sandhu, 41
- Theft Under $5,000
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000
- Disobey Court Order
- Fail to Comply with Probation
