By Trend News Line 2024-06-07 19:15:03.
Organized LEGO Theft Bust in California
In a recent turn of events in California, two individuals were arrested in connection with a massive LEGO theft ring. The suspects, identified as Richard Siegel, 71, from Long Beach, and Blanca Gudino, 39, from Lawndale, were apprehended as part of an organized retail theft operation involving thousands of dollars worth of stolen LEGO toys.
You may also like to watch : Who Is Kamala Harris? Biography - Parents - Husband - Sister - Career - Indian - Jamaican Heritage
String of Thefts Uncovered
The investigation began in December 2023 when detectives were alerted to a series of thefts at a Target store in Los Angeles. Loss prevention workers were able to identify Gudino as a suspect in the case. Subsequently, on June 4, police witnessed Gudino allegedly stealing LEGO products from Target stores in Torrance and Lakewood. She would then reportedly drop off the stolen merchandise at Siegel’s residence in Long Beach.
Massive LEGO Haul Uncovered
Following the observations made by law enforcement, a search warrant was executed at Siegel’s home the next day. Inside the residence, officers made a shocking discovery – over 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGO toy sets. Photos from the scene depict rows of LEGO boxes stored on shelves, transforming the living room into what resembled a warehouse of stolen goods.
Precious Collector’s Items Stolen
The stolen LEGO sets were revealed to be collector’s items or pricier sets, with individual retail values ranging from $20 to over $1,000. Among the stolen items were collectible sets from popular franchises such as Star Wars, Ninjago, Harry Potter, Technic vehicles, LEGO Architecture, Marvel, Minecraft, and special pop-culture editions. Notably, one of the stolen items appeared to be a demo set housed in plexiglass, typically meant for display in a store.
Online Sales and Arrests
During the investigation at Siegel’s residence, police observed potential buyers arriving at the home, allegedly brought in by online advertisements posted by Siegel himself. Subsequently, Siegel was arrested on charges of organized retail theft, while Gudino faced allegations of grand theft. The incidents remain under active investigation by the authorities.
You may also like to watch: Is US-NATO Prepared For A Potential Nuclear War With Russia - China And North Korea?
Continued String of LEGO Thefts
This recent bust is just one in a series of thefts targeting LEGO stores throughout Southern California. In similar incidents, thieves had burglarized Bricks & Minifigs stores, making off with approximately $100,000 worth of LEGO toys. The authorities are working diligently to address and curb this trend of organized theft in the region..
– Stolen LEGO boxes
– California home LEGO theft.
