A man entered the Kings Highway store in December and placed power tools into a shopping cart and walked out without paying, police say. Home Depot security estimated the value of the stolen items at $3,500, according to the police report.
Investigators believe the theft was a part of a shoplifting ring accused of committing thefts at the Fairfield store and other Home Depot locations in the area, police say. A search of a storage unit in Bridgeport turned up at least $5,000 worth of merchandise, according to police reports.
Warren Laughner, 41, of Derby, was identified as one of the suspects, police say. A man matching his description was seen on surveillance video during the December theft, according to police reports. He has also been in police custody since January relating to other shoplifting cases, according to court records.
Laughner was charged with third-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny, both felonies. He was arraigned Tuesday at Bridgeport Superior Court.
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