Additional Coverage:
- Couple accused of stealing $1 million of Lululemon products after $50k of clothes found in hotel suitcase (newsbreak.com)
Connecticut Couple Accused of Stealing $1 Million in Lululemon Products
A couple from Connecticut, Jadion Richards and Akwele Lawes-Richards, has been arrested for allegedly stealing over $1 million worth of Lululemon products over a three-month period.
Organized Retail Theft Scheme
The couple is accused of using organized retail theft tactics to steal from Lululemon stores across the country. They would block employees’ views and remove security sensors from items, then conceal the stolen products under their clothing.
Multi-State Theft Spree
From September to November, the couple is believed to have committed thefts in Minnesota, Colorado, New York, Connecticut, and Utah. They allegedly stole over $30,000 from Minnesota stores and at least $32,000 in Colorado.
Hotel Room Haul
When arrested, Richards had a key card for a hotel room where investigators found 12 suitcases containing Lululemon clothing worth over $50,000.
Modus Operandi
Typically, Richards would purchase cheap items and leave the store. Then, he and Lawes-Richards would remove a security tag from a stolen item and place it on a purchased item. Lawes-Richards and another woman would conceal the stolen products and leave the store, while Richards would show his purchased items to avoid detection.
Consequences
The couple has been charged with organized retail theft. They were released on bail but are scheduled to appear in court on December 16th.
Lululemon’s Response
Lululemon’s vice president of asset protection emphasized the company’s commitment to combating retail crime and holding offenders accountable. They are investing in technology, training, and investigations to address this issue.