The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary has pressed charges against a man and woman for theft exceeding $5,000 following the recovery of 90 pairs of stolen Lululemon leggings, as well as pellet guns, ammunition, and two crossbows. The leggings were taken from the Avalon Mall in St. John’s during the morning hours on Monday, resulting in a police search at a Mount Pearl residence where the stolen items were discovered. The estimated value of the stolen pants is over $10,000, as stated in a police news release.
Aside from the leggings, law enforcement officers found three pellet guns, a high-velocity paintball gun, ammunition, and two crossbows at the residence. A 35-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman have been formally charged, with additional charges expected as authorities suspect more individuals were involved in the criminal activity.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the police disclosed their belief that this theft is linked to an organized network, given the substantial amount of stolen goods being circulated on social media platforms. The release also mentioned that the RNC has received two dozen theft reports specifically related to Lululemon this year. The RNC has urged the public to refrain from purchasing high-end products from third-party sellers to help diminish demand and obstruct profits from reaching organized crime syndicates.