A Rolls-Royce was nicked from a Texas valet stand — which police say led them to a $1.5M luxury car theft ring

Yahoo

07-07-2025

In a high-stakes bust, local and federal authorities swooped in on a suspected Dallas-area luxury car theft ring on June 11, recovering nearly $1.5 million worth of stolen high-end vehicles, including two Rolls-Royces, police say.
Home surveillance footage obtained by NBC DFW shows Dallas SWAT, Plano officers and the FBI executing a search warrant on one of two properties that were raided, according to the broadcaster. It was the conclusion of a multi-agency investigation spanning several Texas cities.
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As a result, police say, six stolen luxury vehicles were recovered, along with firearms, body armor and car theft tools. Three suspects were also arrested for theft over $300,000.
Plano police were only looped into the larger investigation after the brazen theft of a Rolls-Royce at a local restaurant days earlier, reports NBC DFW. Here's what happened, along with more details of the investigation.
On June 6, a 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre was stolen from the valet stand of a restaurant in an upscale neighborhood, Plano detective Jerry Minton says, after the vehicle owner handed the keys over to staff.
'The suspect saw a targeted opportunity,' Minton explained to NBC DFW in a story published July 2. 'They drove up in another vehicle, a white Mercedes, saw where the vehicles were parked and was able to obtain a set of keys.'
As Plano detectives began their investigation, they were alerted by the Texas Department of Public Safety that the 2025 Mercedes S63 AMG at the scene was linked to other car thefts reported in Dallas and Grapevine, according to NBC DFW. Minton says the Mercedes was also stolen, and PPD joined the ongoing case.
'We got in on the tail end of it, after they had already planned for the search warrants,' Minton said.
The six vehicles recovered include a Rolls-Royce Spectre, Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Cadillac Escalade-V, Maserati Levante and Audi RS7 — valued at nearly $1.5 million — police say.
Minton says there was no pattern to how the vehicles were stolen. One more was taken from a valet stand, he says, but another came from a vehicle transport, while the second Rolls-Royce may have been lifted from a gas station.
'They weren't targeting one specific method of stealing,' Minton said. 'It was: they see an opportunity, they took it if they liked the car.'
The arrested were Oscar Valdez, 28, Miguel Hernandez, 27, and Salvador Hernandez, 29, reports NBC DFW. Plano police say Valdez is a repeat offender with 15 active felony warrants, per the broadcaster, and remained in custody without bond. Meanwhile, both Hernandez men, who Minton says are not related, posted bond.
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Even if you don't drive a swanky vehicle, Minton urged car owners to stay vigilant with regard to potential auto theft.
'If you leave your vehicle, or even if you just get out, don't leave it running, don't leave the keys in it,' he warned. 'A Honda Civic is as important to that person as the Rolls-Royce is to that owner,' he said.
It's also a good idea to park in well-lit areas, or even behind a fence or in a garage. Don't leave any valuables inside a vehicle.
There are also several devices drivers can purchase to deter would-be thieves:
GPS tracker: Hardwired or plug-in, a GPS tracker can be helpful at locating your vehicle if it gets stolen. Be warned these devices may come with a monthly service fee.
Kill switch: Want a thief to sit confused while they try to start your car? A kill switch can interrupt vehicle ignition until toggled.
Visible deterrents: Old-school methods still work in many cases. Steering wheel locks, brake locks and window stickers that warn of GPS tracking or other tech are some traditional methods of theft deterrent. A determined thief may still find a way past them, or they may opt for an easier target.
Opportunity for thieves can be found anywhere, whether it's a valet stand, a car transporter or even a gas station. Regardless of whether you drive a Bentley or a Buick, the right tech and habits can make all the difference.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.