Evidence seized in fencing operation

BRANFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Branford and East Haven police are sifting through piles of evidence after they uncovered a major fencing operation.

After months of investigating, police say on Friday they seized truckloads of retail merchandise. Items seized include power and hand tools, commercial lawn and garden mowers, ATV's, snow blowers, power washers, and household appliances.

"We have been working in partnership with Home Depot and Target to track merchandise that has been stolen from their stores and fenced in a number of illegal operations. At his point no arrest have been made, however we believe that we will have an arrest made soon," said Detective Lieutenant William Carroll.

Now officers and representatives from Home Depot and Target have begun to catalogue all the items and are trying to determine the rightful owners.

"I would image that the process could take the officers days to complete," Chief Kevin Halloran said. "I, along with the citizens of our communities, are grateful for their diligent work in disrupting this type of organized criminal activity."