Couple arrested in Delaware County allegedly tied to nationwide Lululemon theft ring

CONCORD TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- A pair of arrests in Delaware County, Pennsylvania are believed to be tied to a string of thefts across the country.

Two people were taken into custody on Tuesday and are being accused of stealing from several Lululemon stores.

Investigators believe the suspects have ties to a larger retail theft ring.

Pennsylvania State Police say the couple is suspected of having stolen from Lululemon locations in Southern California, Washington, Delaware and Pennsylvania.

The couple, identified as 38-year-old Alma Miriam Rivas-Lopez and 30-year-old Guillermo Hernandez-Gonzalez, are accused of stealing thousands of dollars of the high-end athletic wear. Both are from Texas, police said.

State police say an estimated $3,000 worth of merchandise was found in their car.

Police say they were first called to the Glen Mills Lululemon store in Concord Township after a Lululemon private investigator reported the couple's vehicle.

Some of the stolen items from the other stores were tagged with tracker devices, which led police to the suspects' vehicle.

Police say the couple was taken into custody as they exited the store.

"It's so sad because it affects everyone. Sad for the stores, they have to increase their prices and just not fair to everyone," said Janice Ragan of Chester County.

Police say this Lululemon was previously targeted by shoplifters.

Troopers now routinely patrol the site as the Delaware County District Attorney promises to prosecute these retail theft cases to the full extent of the law.

"Maybe I'm an optimist, I'd say the majority of people are honest, just a few that think they can get by with that. It's sad," said Ragan.

The court date for the couple is scheduled for next month. They face a number of felony charges including organized retail theft.

They are both being held on $500,000 bail.