An investigation that first started this past spring helped police recover nearly $100,000 worth of stolen Lululemon products.
In a statement last week, Metro Vancouver Transit Police said police arrested a 39-year old man from Vancouver for theft at Metrotown SkyTrain Station on April 14th, 2024. Officers were alerted about the “suspect’s alleged shoplifting routine, including his dependence on using SkyTrain as his getaway vehicle”.
“During the course of their investigation, and utilizing technology capabilities from lululemon, officers discovered that the suspect was allegedly involved in a large scale, organized theft operation, targeting lululemon stores across the Lower Mainland,” said Metro Vancouver Transit Police.
“The operation used Facebook Marketplace to sell a large volume of the stolen merchandise to online buyers, meeting them along the SkyTrain system for the exchange.”
#MediaRelease: @TransitPolice make arrests, seize almost $100,000 in stolen merchandise from organized theft ring.https://t.co/iRBX5Djiv6 pic.twitter.com/Rsd2yblaTZ
— Media Relations for Metro Vancouver Transit Police (@MVTP_Media) August 15, 2024
In July, two other people were taken into police custody following the execution of an arrest warrant at a Burnaby residence. A 39-year old man and a 34-year old man, both residents of Burnaby, were arrested and face multiple charges.
Over 800 Lululemon clothing items with a retail value of $97,468 were seized by police. $17,638 in Canadian dollars and $1,700 in American dollars was also seized.
“We are hopeful that a clear message has been sent to would-be criminals that attempting to conduct criminal activity along the transit system, or using public transit to further their criminal activities, will not be tolerated. Transit Police is dedicated to bringing anyone who would engage in this behavior to justice. We also ask that the public pause to consider that any high-quality product being sold at a discount rate online by a third party may be stolen.” said Cst. Amanda Steed.
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