NEW YORK -- A massive retail theft ring that hit Home Depot stores across nine states has been busted, marking one of the largest operation of its kind.

Prosecutors say the crew stole more than $2.2 million worth of tools and construction equipment during 319 separate incidents at 128 Home Depot locations. Enough gear was taken to "build an unknown number of houses," and the items were easy to resell for profit.

Thirteen people have been charged in a 780-count indictment for stealing and fencing more than $2 million worth of goods from Home Depot stores in New York and eight other states.

The amount of merchandise stolen in a single day ranged from about $1,800 to nearly $35,000.

Investigators say the defendants met in Queens, New York, hatched their plan, and transported stolen goods

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