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Carpenter's AirTags help uncover 'massive' case of stolen tools in Maryland

washingtonpost.com

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Re: Carpenter's AirTags help uncover 'massive' case of stolen tools in Maryland

#5
post #3

A good Hollywood caper story would end with this being ultimately engineered by the tool vendors themselves in order to stimulate more demand for their goods.

This is exactly what I was thinking, because a real theft ring wouldn't be sitting on so much unsold inventory... what if it ends up being the dealer reps attempting higher commissions?

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As a retired tradesman (IBEW), discovering your tools have been stolen is "up there" in gut-wrenching professional experiences. My good luck meant most items stolen from me were probably just "walk aways" [leant out, never returned]. Last time my work truck was burglarized, they only stole personal effects (leaving behind thousands in rechargeables).

Re: Carpenter's AirTags help uncover 'massive' case of stolen tools in Maryland

#6
The article states…

Though none of the prolific thieves has been arrested yet, Der said, “we are investigating several suspects for their roles in this massive theft scheme and expect charges soon.”

I wonder who owns and/or rents that warehouse…

Re: Carpenter's AirTags help uncover 'massive' case of stolen tools in Maryland

#9
post #7

That is a huge inventory. How do stolen tools get fenced? Sent abroad? Craigslist and FB marketplace? I've bought some used tools from online classifieds, but it always seems to be a homeowner or business owner selling one or two things.

I have no idea but I remember the Sopranos episode where Christopher's father in law owns a hardware store and sells fenced goods out of it.

It's not hard, but the owner can get done for it of course.

Re: Carpenter's AirTags help uncover 'massive' case of stolen tools in Maryland

#10
post #9
post #7

That is a huge inventory. How do stolen tools get fenced? Sent abroad? Craigslist and FB marketplace? I've bought some used tools from online classifieds, but it always seems to be a homeowner or business owner selling one or two things.

I have no idea but I remember the Sopranos episode where Christopher's father in law owns a hardware store and sells fenced goods out of it. It's not hard, but the owner can get done for it of course.

That seems like the mostly likely way, at least for the new items stolen from retail. Trying to sell on craiglist/FB marketplace doesn't seem like it would scale. An unscrupulous hardware store owner could mix the stolen goods in with their stock to pad their margins. The tools could also be used as stock for 3rd party seller on Amazon.
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