Two conventional-looking hardware stores in suburban Los Angeles were actually elaborate fencing operations for a cargo theft ring that stole products from trains, trucks, and container ships, police said this week.

“Fence” is a law enforcement term for someone who buys and sells stolen goods, acting as a middleman between thieves and buyers to conceal the criminal source of the goods.

According to a report in the Los Angeles Times :

On Wednesday, Police Chief Jim McDonnell announced that the department had busted a massive cargo theft ring operating out of DJ General Tool & Wire’s Montebello and Huntington Park locations. The stolen goods included power tools, e-bikes and appliances from brands such as Dyson, Milwaukee, DeWalt and Makita, police said.

The business’ owner, 41-year-ol

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