2,800 stolen LEGO boxes found in California home

(KTLA) – Two people have been arrested in California in connection with an organized retail theft operation involving thousands of dollars worth of stolen LEGO toys.

The suspects were identified as Richard Siegel, 71, of Long Beach, and Blanca Gudino, 39, of Lawndale, according to Los Angeles police.

In December 2023, detectives were alerted to a series of thefts at a Target store in Los Angeles. Loss prevention officers identified Gudino as the suspect.

On June 4, police said they saw Gudino stealing LEGO products from Target stores in Torrance and Lakewood, both in the Los Angeles area. She would then drop off the merchandise at Siegel's home in Long Beach, police said.

The next day, a search warrant was served at the Long Beach home, where officers discovered more than 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGO toy sets, police said.

The bust photos show rows of LEGO boxes stored on shelves, making the living room look like a warehouse.

Most of the stolen toys were collectibles or more expensive sets. The individual retail value of each item ranged from $20 to more than $1,000, the LAPD said.

Among the stolen sets were Star Wars collectibles, Ninjago, Harry Potter, Technic vehicles, LEGO Architecture, Marvel, Minecraft, pop-culture special editions and much more.

One of the stolen items even appeared to be a demo box housed in plexiglass and usually on display in a store.

While investigating Siegel's residence, police observed potential toy buyers arriving at his home, led by advertisements Siegel allegedly posted online.

Siegel was arrested for organized retail theft and Gudino was arrested for grand theft allegations. The incidents are still under investigation.

This seizure follows similar thefts targeting Bricks & Minifigs stores throughout Southern California. During these incidents, the thieves broke into several stores before escaping with approximately $100,000 worth of LEGO toys.