Teen Burglar Caught Selling Stolen Items on Facebook Marketplace in The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- On February 19, 2025, deputies from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office District 6 Patrol responded to a burglary in progress at a residence located in the 3000 block of Lake Ridge Bend in The Woodlands, TX. Upon arrival, they discovered a 17-year-old male, identified as Daylan Yates from The Woodlands, who had fled from the house and was hiding nearby. Yates was quickly detained and questioned by the deputies on the scene.

During the investigation, deputies found that Yates had broken into the residence earlier that day and had posted stolen items for sale on Facebook Marketplace. He returned to the location to steal more items and to meet a potential buyer interested in purchasing a dresser he had listed online. The homeowner recognized that multiple other stolen items from their residence were being sold under the same profile on Facebook. As a result, Yates was taken into custody for burglary of habitation and was transported to the Montgomery County Jail without incident.

While selling items locally through social media platforms can be convenient, it is essential to prioritize safety during these transactions. Here are some safety tips for buying or selling items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace:

1. Meet in a Safe Location – Preferably in a well-lit public place, like a police station or busy parking lot.
2. Avoid Sending Payments in Advance – Use cash or secure payment methods like PayPal with buyer protection. Avoid gift cards, wire transfers, or prepaid cards.
3. Check the Seller’s Profile – Look for red flags like newly created accounts, no profile picture, or limited activity.
4. Beware of Unrealistic Deals – If the price is too good to be true, it probably is.
5. Trust Your Instincts – If something feels off about a buyer, don’t proceed with the sale.
6. Limit Personal Information – Don’t share your address, phone number, or other sensitive details.
7. Be Wary of Shipping Requests – Scammers may ask you to ship an item and claim they will pay later but never do.