– Stolen LEGOs found in California home
– Boxes of stolen LEGOs discovered in California residence.
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Two individuals have been apprehended in California as part of an organized retail theft operation involving a significant amount of stolen LEGO toys. The culprits have been identified as Richard Siegel, aged 71, from Long Beach, and Blanca Gudino, aged 39, from Lawndale, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Investigation Unveils String of Theft
Authorities were alerted to a series of thefts at a Target store in Los Angeles in December 2023. Loss prevention personnel pinpointed Gudino as the primary suspect. On June 4, law enforcement officials observed Gudino allegedly pilfering LEGO products from Target outlets in Torrance and Lakewood, both situated in the Los Angeles region. Subsequently, she would reportedly deliver the stolen goods to Siegel’s residence in Long Beach, as per police reports.
Massive Discovery at Siegel’s Home
The following day, a search warrant was executed at Siegel’s Long Beach home, where authorities uncovered over 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGO toy sets, marking a significant breakthrough in the investigation.
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Over 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGO toy sets were discovered inside a Long Beach home during a massive theft ring bust. (Los Angeles Police Department) -
Over 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGO toy sets were discovered inside a Long Beach home during a massive theft ring bust. (Los Angeles Police Department) -
Over 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGO toy sets were discovered inside a Long Beach home during a massive theft ring bust. (Los Angeles Police Department) -
Over 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGO toy sets were discovered inside a Long Beach home during a massive theft ring bust. (Los Angeles Police Department)
Valuable Stolen Merchandise
The seized toys mainly comprised collector’s items or high-end sets, with individual retail values ranging from £15 to over £800, as per LAPD estimates. The stolen sets encompassed collectible Star Wars, Ninjago, Harry Potter, Technic vehicles, LEGO Architecture, Marvel, Minecraft, special pop-culture editions, and more.
Notably, one of the pilfered items appeared to be a demo set encased in plexiglass, typically seen in retail displays.
Online Advertisement for Stolen Toys
During the investigation at Siegel’s residence, authorities observed potential buyers arriving at the property, reportedly lured in by advertisements posted online by Siegel.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
Siegel has been detained on charges of organized retail theft, while Gudino faces accusations of grand theft. The incidents remain under active investigation by law enforcement agencies.
Continuation of LEGO Theft Trend
This recent bust mirrors a spate of thefts targeting Bricks & Minifigs stores across Southern California. In those instances, thieves forcibly entered multiple establishments and made off with around £70,000 worth of LEGO toys.
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1. stolen LEGO boxes found inside California home
2. 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGOs discovered in California residence.
