COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Authorities have identified 20 suspects in a sting called Operation Haul.
The suspects were named by a multi-jurisdictional task that targeted an increase in thefts of construction equipment and vehicles in Franklin and Fairfield counties.
The task force was launched last January and in eight months, authorities recovered $600,000 in stolen property.
Approximately 80 percent of the stolen goods have been returned to their owners.
The arrests aren't only beneficial to the victims, but also to the insurance companies that had to handle claims.
"It's an inconvenience to our customers to have things stolen from their house or their houses broken into. It's a trauma for them. Then, it is certainly an effort for us to have to handle claims," said Kevin Hilyard, of Nationwide Insurance.
Several insurance companies worked with law enforcement in the sting operations.
Authorities said the 20 suspects will face almost 100 felony charges combined.
Seven of the suspects have been indicted by the grand jury.
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