In an unexpected turn of events, nearly 3,000 boxes of LEGO toy sets were discovered by police this week as part of a major retail theft bust in Los Angeles. This operation led to the arrest of two suspects and revealed the surprising value and allure of LEGO sets on the black market.
The bust took place in Southern California, uncovering an extensive operation that saw alleged thieves amassing a substantial inventory of LEGO sets with the intent to sell them. Photos from the scene showcase the sheer volume of the haul, with boxes piled high and occupying significant space in a residence.
According to the LAPD, the suspects are Richard Siegel, a resident of Long Beach, who has been charged with organized retail theft, and Blanca Gudino, a resident of Lawndale, who faces charges of grand theft.
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Gudino was reportedly seen on Tuesday stealing LEGO items from Target stores in the South Bay area. Following this, she transported the stolen goods to Siegel's home in Long Beach. Acting on this information, police served a search warrant at Siegel's residence on Wednesday, where they uncovered 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGOs.
The investigation began in December 2023, when a series of thefts at a Target store in San Pedro caught the attention of detectives. Loss prevention workers at the store eventually flagged Gudino as a suspect and notified the police, setting the stage for the discovery.
Photos from Siegel's home reveal a staggering array of LEGO boxes, including highly coveted sets from popular franchises such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel, and Minecraft. Among the items recovered was a demo set encased in plexiglass, typically seen in LEGO stores, further highlighting the operation's scale.
During the investigation, potential buyers arrived at Siegel's home, responding to online advertisements for the stolen LEGO sets. This indicated a well-organized effort to sell the stolen goods through various channels.
The sheer volume and variety of the recovered LEGO sets underscore the surprising value these toys can hold. This bust serves as a reminder of the lengths to which thieves will go to profit from popular and valuable items, and the vigilance required to combat such organized retail theft operations.