Newfoundland police have seized about $10,000 worth of Lululemon sportswear from a home in Mount Pearl, near St. John’s, in what is seen as a spike in organized retail crime in Canada.

A 30-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of stealing more than $5,000 worth of merchandise, according to reports. Investigators executed a search warrant at the home after a robbery at the Lululemon store in Avalon Mall early Tuesday morning.

A search of the home turned up 90 pairs of sweatpants, three air rifles, a high-powered paintball gun, two crossbows and some ammunition.

Police say organized shoplifting is on the rise in Northeast Avalon, with some of the stolen merchandise being sold through online marketplaces or third-party sellers. Earlier this year, there were about two dozen reports of thefts at Lululemon stores.

Officers have urged people to be extra cautious when purchasing branded goods from third-party sellers on social media or online platforms, as such transactions may encourage goods obtained through criminal activity and provide financial support to organized crime networks.

Lululemon is one of the brands that is increasingly targeted by organized thefts due to its high price and ability to sell quickly on the informal market.

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