Southington Cops Take Down Fence In Retail Theft Ring

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Police are crediting an arrest last week with taking down the fence in an organized effort to steal tools from area home improvement stores and sell them online.

Francisco Martorell, 38, of Southington, surrendered on Feb. 13 after learning about an active warrant for his arrest, police said. The warrant charged him with organized retail theft and
resulted from an investigation that ran from April to September of last year, police said. Martorell was taking tools stolen from Home Depot and Lowes stores and marketing them on the internet, according to a warrant.

Martorell was released on a $5,000 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in New Britain Superior Court on Feb. 27.

According to police, also taking part in the theft ring was Christopher Main, 39, of Torrington, who has been charged with organized retail theft, third-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny in the third degree.

The investigation revealed that Main and accomplices committed "organized thefts" of Milwaukee brand tools from Lowes and Home Depot stores in the amount of $2,945. The tools
were then turned over to "another individual" to be sold via "an online marketplace," police said. Main was being held, pending a $100,000 bond, police said.