Labubu Doll Heist: Masked Thieves Target Popular Collectibles in California
Table of Contents
- 1. Labubu Doll Heist: Masked Thieves Target Popular Collectibles in California
- 2. Surveillance Footage reveals details of the Break-In
- 3. The Rise of Labubu: A Collectible Phenomenon
- 4. the Growing Trend of Collectible Theft
- 5. What security measures can retailers of high-value collectible toys implement to deter theft, considering the sophistication of recent incidents?
- 6. Over $7,000 Worth of Labubu Dolls Stolen from los Angeles Store, Authorities Report
- 7. The Heist: Details of the Labubu Doll Theft
- 8. Understanding the Value: Why Labubu Dolls are Targets
- 9. Specific Labubu Models Targeted in the Theft
- 10. Security Concerns for Retailers Selling Collectibles
- 11. The Broader Trend: Rising Toy Theft
- 12. Impact on the Labubu Community
- 13. what to Do If You Encounter Suspicious Activity
LA PUENTE, CA – A brazen theft targeting the highly sought-after Labubu dolls has left a Los Angeles-area store reeling. Authorities report that a group of masked individuals stole approximately $7,000 worth of the collectible figures early Wednesday morning from One Stop Sales in La Puente, a city approximately 18 miles east of Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the incident, stating that the suspects utilized a stolen Toyota Tacoma, which was later recovered. An investigation is currently underway, with officials releasing limited details at this time.
Surveillance Footage reveals details of the Break-In
One Stop Sales shared surveillance footage on Instagram depicting a group of individuals,clad in hoodies and face coverings,forcibly entering the store. The footage shows the suspects systematically gathering boxes and items, ultimately emptying the store’s entire Labubu inventory and causing critically importent damage to the property.
“We are still in shock,” the store posted, appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the perpetrators.
The Rise of Labubu: A Collectible Phenomenon
Labubu dolls, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, have experienced a surge in popularity over the past decade. These distinctive,toothy monster figures have become a coveted item among collectors,mirroring the collecting crazes of the past like cabbage Patch Kids,Beanie Babies,and Tamagotchis.
The appeal of Labubu lies in their unique design and limited-edition releases, driving up their value in the resale market. The dolls’ growing popularity has created a dedicated community of collectors and enthusiasts, making them a prime target for theft.
the Growing Trend of Collectible Theft
This incident highlights a concerning trend of thefts targeting high-value collectibles. As the market for limited-edition toys, sneakers, and trading cards continues to expand, so too does the risk of these items becoming targets for criminal activity. Retailers and collectors alike are urged to enhance security measures and remain vigilant.
Authorities are asking anyone with facts regarding the theft to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
What security measures can retailers of high-value collectible toys implement to deter theft, considering the sophistication of recent incidents?
The Heist: Details of the Labubu Doll Theft
Los Angeles authorities are investigating a brazen theft targeting a local retailer, resulting in the loss of over $7,000 worth of highly sought-after Labubu dolls. The incident, reported earlier today, has sent ripples through the collectible toy community and raised concerns about the increasing vulnerability of these valuable items to theft. The store, located in the city’s Arts District, was targeted overnight, with perpetrators specifically focusing on the popular Labubu Macaron and limited-edition Labubu figures.
Police confirmed the theft occurred between the hours of 11 PM on August 8th and 6 AM on august 9th, 2025.Initial reports suggest forced entry, though the exact method is still under investigation. Security footage is currently being reviewed to identify the suspects.
Understanding the Value: Why Labubu Dolls are Targets
The escalating demand for Labubu collectibles, notably those created in collaboration with artists like KAWS, has driven prices to astronomical levels on the resale market. This surge in value makes them attractive targets for thieves.
Here’s a breakdown of factors contributing to their high value:
Limited Editions: Many Labubu figures are produced in limited quantities, creating scarcity and driving up prices.
Artist Collaborations: Collaborations with renowned artists significantly increase the desirability and value of Labubu dolls.
Growing Collectible market: The broader art toy and designer toy market is experiencing substantial growth, fueling demand for popular IPs like Labubu.
Social Media Influence: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have played a important role in popularizing Labubu and other collectible toys, creating a strong community and driving demand.
Resale Market: Platforms like StockX and eBay see Labubu figures reselling for multiples of their retail price.
Specific Labubu Models Targeted in the Theft
While a full inventory is still being assessed, authorities have confirmed the following Labubu models were among those stolen:
Labubu Macaron: Several variations of the popular Macaron series were taken, including the rare Strawberry flavor.
Labubu x KAWS: Limited edition Labubu figures co-created with artist KAWS were a primary target. These are known to resell for upwards of $2,000 each.
Labubu FriendsMilky Pink: A highly sought-after colorway within the FriendsMilky series.
* Labubu Zodiac series: Select figures from the Zodiac collection were also reported missing.
Security Concerns for Retailers Selling Collectibles
This incident highlights the growing need for enhanced security measures at retailers selling high-value collectibles. Experts recommend the following:
- Advanced Alarm Systems: Implementing sophisticated alarm systems with motion sensors and glass break detectors.
- CCTV Surveillance: Utilizing high-resolution CCTV cameras with remote monitoring capabilities.
- Secure Display Cases: Employing reinforced display cases with locking mechanisms.
- Inventory Management: maintaining accurate and up-to-date inventory records to quickly identify missing items.
- Staff Training: Training staff to recognize and report suspicious activity.
- Limited Access: Restricting access to high-value inventory to authorized personnel only.
- Collaboration with Law enforcement: Establishing a strong working relationship with local law enforcement agencies.
The Broader Trend: Rising Toy Theft
The theft of Labubu dolls isn’t an isolated incident. There’s been a noticeable increase in thefts targeting collectible toys across the country. In July 2025, a similar incident occurred in New York City, where over $5,000 worth of Bearbrick figures were stolen from a boutique store. This trend suggests a growing sophistication among thieves targeting the art toy market.
Impact on the Labubu Community
The theft has understandably caused concern within the Labubu collector community. Many fear that the incident could lead to increased prices on the resale market and make it even more difficult to acquire these coveted figures.Online forums and social media groups dedicated to Labubu are buzzing with discussions about security measures and potential preventative steps. The incident also underscores the importance of verifying the authenticity of Labubu dolls purchased on the resale market to avoid unknowingly acquiring stolen goods.
what to Do If You Encounter Suspicious Activity
If you witness any suspicious activity related to the sale or trade of Labubu dolls, authorities urge you to contact your local police department immediately. Providing detailed information, including descriptions of individuals and any relevant evidence, can be crucial in assisting with the investigation.