Dallas, October 15, 2025
News Summary
Authorities have disrupted an organized theft ring responsible for stealing around 52 vehicles from the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, amounting to nearly $5 million in losses. The DFW Airport police identified and arrested key suspects linked to the thefts, which mainly targeted luxury vehicles. Since the arrests, there has been a significant drop in reported vehicle thefts at the airport. Investigations are ongoing, with federal assistance, to further address this criminal activity that has extended beyond Texas.
Dallas — An organized theft ring, comprised of approximately 14 members, is accused of stealing around 52 cars from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) between 2023 and November 2024, resulting in a total estimated loss of nearly $5 million. Authorities say arrests and investigative actions have disrupted the group’s operations and coincided with a sharp decline in vehicle thefts at the airport.
Key facts and immediate impact
DFW Airport police have identified the crime ring and made significant arrests that disrupted their operations, resulting in a reported decline in vehicle thefts at the airport. In 2023, there were 142 vehicle thefts reported at DFW, while only 60 were reported through November 2024, marking a reduction of nearly 58% year-over-year. The ring primarily targeted high-end muscle cars and luxury SUVs, according to investigators.
How the arrests unfolded
Police arrested Jose Antonio Perez-Rodriguez (29), Yanier Pinillo-Toro (30), and Yoel Hernandez-Frometa (38) after a license plate reader detected a suspect vehicle entering the airport. Police arrested these individuals on October 8 after a license plate reader detected a suspect vehicle entering the airport. Law enforcement officers found burglary tools and multiple key fobs in the suspects’ vehicle. Police found burglary tools and multiple key fobs in the suspects’ vehicle.
Evidence and allegations
Investigators reported that the suspects were organized and used sophisticated tools, such as devices to reprogram key fobs. Investigators reported that the suspects were organized and used sophisticated tools, such as devices to reprogram key fobs. One defendant in the case has been tied to a series of thefts over more than a year: Hernandez-Frometa was linked to eight vehicle thefts at DFW Airport from July 2023 to October 2024.
Scope of activity and ongoing investigation
The group has not been limited to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. This group has been active across multiple states, including Texas, New Mexico, Utah, and Nevada. The FBI is assisting DFW Airport police in an ongoing investigation into the theft ring. The FBI is assisting DFW Airport police in an ongoing investigation into the theft ring.
Context and safety information
DFW Airport is recognized as one of the largest in the world, serving around 86.9 million passengers annually. Despite the thefts, the incidence of auto theft at DFW remains low compared to the 3.4 million vehicles that park there each year. Previous surges in vehicle thefts had been reported, with cars being stolen at an average of one every other day before arrests were made.
Recommended precautions
Authorities and security experts recommend standard precautions for people who park at large facilities. Experts suggest using precautionary measures such as parking in well-lit areas, locking doors, and removing valuables from vehicles to protect against thefts at large facilities. Travelers are encouraged to follow posted guidance at parking facilities and to report suspicious behavior to airport police.
What investigators say next
Law enforcement officials describe the recent arrests as a disruption of the alleged ring’s operations and expect continued coordination with federal partners as the investigation proceeds. Charges and potential additional arrests were not fully detailed at the time of the initial report, and officials continue to review evidence tied to thefts across jurisdictions.
FAQ
How many cars were stolen and what is the estimated loss?
An organized theft ring, comprised of approximately 14 members, is accused of stealing around 52 cars from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) between 2023 and November 2024. The total estimated loss from these thefts is nearly $5 million.
How did the number of reported vehicle thefts change year over year?
In 2023, there were 142 vehicle thefts reported at DFW, while only 60 were reported through November 2024, marking a reduction of nearly 58% year-over-year.
Who was arrested in the case and when?
Police arrested Jose Antonio Perez-Rodriguez (29), Yanier Pinillo-Toro (30), and Yoel Hernandez-Frometa (38). Police arrested these individuals on October 8 after a license plate reader detected a suspect vehicle entering the airport.
What evidence was found with the suspects?
Police found burglary tools and multiple key fobs in the suspects’ vehicle.
What types of vehicles were targeted and how were they stolen?
The ring primarily targeted high-end muscle cars and luxury SUVs. Investigators reported that the suspects were organized and used sophisticated tools, such as devices to reprogram key fobs.
Was this activity limited to Texas?
This group has been active across multiple states, including Texas, New Mexico, Utah, and Nevada.
Are federal authorities involved?
The FBI is assisting DFW Airport police in an ongoing investigation into the theft ring.
How does this compare to airport traffic and parking volume?
DFW Airport is recognized as one of the largest in the world, serving around 86.9 million passengers annually. Despite the thefts, the incidence of auto theft at DFW remains low compared to the 3.4 million vehicles that park there each year.
What precautions are recommended for drivers?
Experts suggest using precautionary measures such as parking in well-lit areas, locking doors, and removing valuables from vehicles to protect against thefts at large facilities.
Key figures
Notes: Bar widths are visual approximations relative to the largest figure (3.4 million). Numbers shown are exact: 142 (2023 thefts), 60 (through November 2024), around 52 (cars stolen by ring), 3.4 million (annual parked vehicles).
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Expand with New Terminal F
Significant Decline in Auto Thefts Across Texas
Additional Resources
- Dallas Observer: DFW Is a High-Risk Airport
- Star-Telegram: Dallas-Fort Worth Airport Vehicle Thefts
- Dallas News: Group Stole Nearly $5M Worth of Vehicles
- Fox News: Holiday Travel Warning on Car Thefts
- Google Search: Vehicle Thefts DFW Airport
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
