Home Depot Has a Violent Shoplifter Problem

Home Depot is not just for DIY homeowners, but DIY mechanics as well when it comes to automotive tools and supplies as well as materials for upgrading your garage.

Related article: What They Don't Want You to Know at Home Depot

However, the criminal element feels that the Home Depot is a push-over business both figuratively and literally.

According to a recent DIY with Dave YouTube channel episode, Home Depot has a tool thief problem that just won’t go away. Why? Because for one, reselling stolen tools is easy and profitable; most of the tools are out in the open and not behind locked cages or other fitted with other security measures; and, employees are advised not to confront a customer/thief that appears to be making their way out the store without paying.

It's Not Just Simple Shoplifting

Aside from the loss of revenue and its long-term effect on honest shoppers, thievery at Home Depot is a serious problem due to that violence sometimes occur when a Home Depot employee engages with a thief and tries to prevent him or her from beating a hasty exit out the doorway.

Worse yet, thievery incidents sometimes involve multiple criminals working together who set fire inside the stores to help them get away with stolen merchandise.

Here’s a news story about one Home Depot theft with video images of the assailants that the police need help in locating:

Violent shoplifters strike at Home Depot in Gwinnett County, part of an escalating trend

Update on the Shoplifting and Assault

Shortly after the shoplifting and assault all 4 suspects were identified. However, news sources report that the assailants have not all been located yet and are asking the public for tips of their whereabouts.

According to the news, “Anyone with information on their whereabouts is urged to contact Gwinnett County Police Department detectives at 770-513-5300. You can also submit an anonymous tip and be eligible for a cash reward by calling Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477."

DIY with Dave Explains Recent Home Depot Changes

To hear about what changes Home Depot has made thus far and whether or not these changes will work and how they can affect non-criminal shoppers, here is Dave’s take on what is happening in response to this increasing growing and violent problem.

Home Depot is Taking Extreme Measures to Deal with Tool Thieves. Find out What Has Changed.

For additional articles related to tools that DIY with Dave has reported on, here are three for your consideration:

• Harbor Freight’s Secret Weapon is Deception
• Insider Secrets, Tips, and Dumpster Diving Advice at Harbor Freight
• Harbor Freight's Dirty Little Secret Revealed Helps DIY Mechanics

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on  “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

COMING UP NEXT: My Harbor Freight Brand Pittsburg Tool Beats Snap-On!

Image source: Deposit Photos