‘Diaper Crew’ accused of more than 2 dozen dollar and drug store thefts across Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia police arrested three men and expect to charge a fourth in a retail theft operation that targeted dollar and drug stores throughout the city. Police call them the “Diaper Crew.”

“Every crew that we have, we name them something. There was a Lululemon Crew. There was a Kohl’s Crew that we’re actively investigating now with Bensalem. We call this the Diaper Crew,” said Police Inspector Ray Evers.

He said this gang targeted Dollar General, Family Dollar and Rite Aid stores citywide, but especially in Juniata and Burholme. They mostly stole diapers, batteries and coffee.

“We believe, obviously, they’re fencing. They were taking shelf-loads of diapers — hundreds at a time,” said Evers.

He said this ring is responsible for 25 retail thefts and two robberies since April. They got away with nearly $15,000 in merchandise.

“They’re not out stealing for themselves because they need to eat or feed their family or provide resources like that,” said Kimberly Esack, head of the Organized Retail Theft Task Force in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. “They’re doing this as a business.”

Police detected a pattern by using a messaging app with information from retailers. Evers said the alleged ringleader, 26-year-old Daquan Johnson, of the 6500 block of Rising Sun Avenue, was arrested and is being held on $250,000 bail.

The other suspects are Byron Jordan-Prince and Lytrell Scott. All three have been charged with multiple counts of retail theft and related offenses. The fourth suspect is expected to turn himself in on Monday.

Cracking down on retail theft has been a priority for Mayor Cherelle Parker. Authorities said retail theft arrests are up 81% over last year.

Anyone who believes they are a victim of this crime spree should contact the police department.