Thieves have been wreaking havoc on collectible Lego stores in Southern California, stealing more than $100,000 worth of Lego figures and kits. The duo targeted at least six Bricks and Minifigs locations, which are individually owned reselling businesses. The thefts occurred between April and June, with the criminals breaking through the glass storefronts of the stores.
One store owner managed to capture the thieves in action on their security cameras. The footage showed a man wearing a mask, hood, and headlamp breaking a hole in the glass of the Whittier Bricks and Minifigs store. He crawled through with a trash bag and proceeded to fill it with expensive Lego collectibles. Another man served as the getaway driver, and together they made off with about $10,000 worth of merchandise.
The stolen Lego items were not your typical big box sets; they were rare collectibles that can fetch several thousand dollars each. Store owner Katie Leuscher emphasized that the stolen items can’t be easily replenished, as they cater to customers looking for Lego sets from their childhood. Mini figures, in particular, are highly sought after and can be resold for a quick profit.
Leuscher has been in constant contact with other Bricks and Minifigs store owners who fear that they may be the next target. The owners reported the alleged theft ring to the police. These thefts have not only caused financial losses to the store owners but have also created hardship for the community. The stores are independently owned, and the owners are just trying to raise their families. The criminals are making it harder for everyone else.
Interestingly, this is not the first series of Lego thefts in Southern California. In April, California Highway Patrol investigators arrested four individuals for stealing $300,000 worth of Lego sets from big box stores like Target, Home Depot, and Lowe’s. These stolen sets were also resold. It is unclear if the two theft cases are connected, as the California Highway Patrol did not provide further information.
The Lego thieves have caused significant damage to the Bricks and Minifigs stores and have disrupted the lives of the store owners. The stolen collectibles, which hold sentimental value for many customers, are not easily replaceable. The community is rallying together to support the affected store owners and raise awareness about these thefts. Authorities are working diligently to apprehend the criminals responsible for these brazen acts.
