This month, Lynnwood police arrested a woman and a minor, suspected members of a Romanian organized crime group, for allegedly stealing over $12,000 in cosmetics from Alderwood beauty stores. The duo first struck on January 30 at Kohl’s, stealing $4,444 worth of products from the Sephora inside. Just two days later, they returned for a second heist, taking another $3,947 in merchandise. Police apprehended them during the second theft and discovered a minivan filled with stolen Revlon makeup boxes and other popular brands like Fenty Beauty and Urban Decay. The woman, who was nine months pregnant, was booked into the Snohomish County Jail but released the next day.

Authorities are investigating the possibility that this theft is connected to a broader network targeting cosmetic retailers across the nation. This incident underscores the growing sophistication of organized retail crime, raising concerns for law enforcement and store owners alike.