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Columbia, MD – Police in Howard County have successfully recovered 18,600 stolen construction tools in what is considered one of the largest theft cases in the region’s recent history. The estimated value of these instruments is between 3 and 5 million USD.

Authorities determined the tools were stolen from various retail stores, businesses, vehicles, residential properties and construction sites located primarily in Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. The stolen items were mostly stored in storage facilities in Howard County and are suspected to have been sold at multiple locations through various methods.

The police have identified 155 victims and are in the process of returning the stolen items. Following the investigation, Jose Aceves, 52, of Jessup, was charged with felony theft.

The remaining unclaimed gear will be auctioned off on November 16. More details about the auction can be found online.