Two individuals were apprehended in California in connection with an elaborate organized retail theft operation encompassing a substantial amount of stolen LEGO toys.
The suspects were named as Richard Siegel, 71, from Long Beach, and Blanca Gudino, 39, from Lawndale, by the Los Angeles Police Department.
During December 2023, detectives were informed of a series of thefts occurring at a Target store in Los Angeles. Loss prevention personnel identified Gudino as the prime suspect.
On June 4, law enforcement officials reported observing Gudino purportedly stealing LEGO merchandise from Target outlets in Torrance and Lakewood, both situated in the Los Angeles vicinity. Following the theft, she would allegedly deliver the items to Siegel’s residence in Long Beach.
The following day, authorities executed a search warrant at the Long Beach residence, unearthing over 2,800 cartons of stolen LEGO toy sets, as detailed by the police.
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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)
Photos of the operation revealed numerous LEGO boxes neatly arranged on shelves, resembling a storage facility within the living room.
The stolen items primarily consisted of collector’s pieces or high-end sets, with each piece exhibiting a retail value varying from $20 to over $1,000, according to LAPD.
Within the stolen merchandise were sought-after Star Wars, Ninjago, Harry Potter, Technic vehicles, LEGO Architecture, Marvel, Minecraft, exclusive pop-culture editions, and more.
One of the illicit items even appeared to be a demonstration set encased in plexiglass, typically exhibited in-store.
While surveying Siegel’s abode, law enforcement officials witnessed potential shoppers arriving at the residence, led by advertisements purportedly posted online by Siegel.
Siegel faced charges related to organized retail theft, while Gudino was detained on grand theft accusations. The incidents are currently under investigation.
This development mirrors prior thefts against Bricks & Minifigs stores across Southern California. In those instances, thieves forcibly gained entry into multiple stores before absconding with an estimated $100,000 worth of LEGO toys.
