Plano police arrested three women on January 31 after uncovering an organized retail theft operation at a Burlington store. The theft was reported to authorities by Burlington’s regional organized crime manager, who had noticed the suspects removing theft sensors from merchandise at approximately 12:30 p.m.
A store employee recognized the women from prior thefts at other Burlington locations, prompting police to act swiftly. The suspects—Dafeny Yanez, 34, Crystal Rivera, 34, and Gissela Fernandez Yanez, 42—were seen leaving the store with stolen goods, and police detained them at the scene.
Upon searching the suspects’ car, investigators found about $20,000 worth of stolen merchandise, including items linked to various retailers such as Burlington, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, Ross, Academy Sports + Outdoors, and Target. The recovered merchandise was returned to the respective stores.
The three women were charged with theft of property, possession of instruments used for retail theft, and engaging in organized criminal activity. They were also arrested on outstanding warrants. Authorities have not yet revealed if more individuals are involved in the organized retail theft ring.
