Man arrested after stealing tools from multiple Home Depot stores in Orange County

Yesterday evening, Orange County Sheriff deputies responded to Home Depot on El Toro Rd., where a suspect was caught breaking into a locked cage containing over $2,000 worth of power tools.

A search of his vehicle uncovered even more stolen tools from multiple Home Depot locations.

Instead of a big score, he scored a felony arrest for burglary, possession of burglary tools, and receiving stolen property.

In California, stealing over $2,000 worth of power tools would likely be classified as grand theft under Penal Code 487.

• Grand theft involves stealing property valued over $95012. This offense can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, known as a “wobbler” offense.
• Misdemeanor Grand Theft: Up to 1 year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
  Felony Grand Theft: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

The specific penalties can vary based on the circumstances of the case and the defendant’s criminal history.

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Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions.

When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.