Police say two women went on a months-long spree swiping candles, Wallflower bulbs and soaps from Bath & Body Works stores around Raleigh and Durham, walking off with more than $8,300 in merchandise before officers caught up with them this week.
Investigators say the thefts stretched from January through April and hit stores at least 17 different times. On Wednesday, Raleigh police announced that two suspects were in custody, sharing photos and a short statement alongside the arrests.
Multi‑agency probe tracked a pattern across stores
Raleigh Police Department's Crime Reporting Center teamed up with Durham and Wilson police, along with North Carolina Probation & Parole, to zero in on the pair as part of a coordinated investigation, according to a Raleigh Police Department post. The department said its Hospitality Unit played a key role in finding one of the suspects, and officials noted that the broader investigation is still active.
What was taken and how often
According to police, the thieves targeted higher‑priced Bath & Body Works items, with candles and Wallflower fragrance bulbs making up most of the haul. Across the 17 reported incidents, officers estimate the total loss at more than $8,300 in merchandise, figures that were detailed by WRAL.
Authorities identified the suspects as 35‑year‑old Beatrice Harris and 32‑year‑old Latrice Leake. Harris is charged with habitual larceny, misdemeanor and felony conspiracy, and organized retail theft. Leake faces charges of misdemeanor and felony larceny, conspiracy, and organized retail theft, according to ABC11.
Retail theft rings often target the same goods
Across the country, retailers have reported similar theft rings homing in on Bath & Body Works products, largely because fragrances and candles are easy to resell and move quickly. Reporting on coordinated thefts in other cities has described nearly identical playbooks. Multi‑jurisdictional cooperation has become routine too this year. One recent Durham County Sheriff’s Office update and a separate Click2Houston report both describe multi‑agency crackdowns and large candle-centered thefts that closely resemble what investigators say happened in the Triangle.
Court and next steps
It is not yet clear whether either suspect has an attorney or when they will appear in court for arraignment. Police say the investigation is ongoing and have asked anyone with additional information to reach out to investigators, according to ABC11. Prosecutors are expected to review the charging documents and decide how the cases move forward.
