Police arrested two suspects in California for an alleged Lego theft ring, discovering over 2,800 stolen sets worth thousands. The investigation revealed organized retail theft spanning several months.
California, United States (Bollywood Fever): Two individuals were arrested in California as part of a suspected Lego theft ring after police discovered over 2,800 stolen sets.
On Friday, police reported finding boxes of Legos stacked to the ceiling inside a man’s home in Long Beach, just south of Los Angeles. The sets ranged in price from $20 to over $1,000.
Richard Siegel, 71, and Blanca Gudino, 39, were arrested in connection with a series of organized retail thefts that have been ongoing for several months, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Authorities began investigating in December after a store reported a series of thefts. The store’s loss prevention personnel identified Gudino as a suspect, police said.
Officers observed Gudino taking items from the same retailer in multiple areas this week and then delivering the sets to Siegel at his Long Beach home.
Detectives searched the home on Wednesday and found more than 2,800 boxes of Legos. While officers were searching, potential buyers of the toys arrived at the home, “lured by advertisements placed by Siegel on internet sales sites,” according to the police.
It was not clear whether Siegel and Gudino had legal representation.
Photos from the investigation show Lego sets meticulously organized in the home, with boxes covering artwork on the walls and a fireplace. The Legos included popular sets from the Star Wars franchise, like the Millennium Falcon, which sells for nearly $850 online, and R2-D2, priced between $100 to $200. There were also sets from the Lord of the Rings and Back to the Future franchises.
Siegel faces a charge of organized retail theft, while Gudino is facing a charge of grand theft.
Expensive Legos have become a popular target for thieves as the sets have gained popularity as a hobby for adults. Thefts have been reported in places like Philadelphia, Las Vegas, and Florida.
In April, four suspects were arrested after authorities found about $300,000 in stolen Lego merchandise, according to the California Highway Patrol. The suspects are accused of stealing Lego sets related to cars, motorcycles, Star Wars, and Minecraft to resell them.
Earlier this year in southern California, more than $100,000 in Legos were stolen from Bricks & Minifigs, a specialty store that sells new and used Legos, according to CBS News.
Also Read, Shark Attacks in Walton County: Three Swimmers Injured in Separate Incidents
Iconic Apollo 8 Astronaut William Anders Dies in Plane Crash at 90
