$30k theft: 14 boxes of stolen Labubu dolls recovered in California; minor warehouse workers arrested

The Southern California police department has recovered around $30,000 worth of Labubu dolls stolen over multiple days, the agency announced this week.

The theft involved two suspects, both minors, who were later identified as employees of the warehouse, the Chino police department said through a social media post. The stolen collectibles were recovered by authorities at a residence in Upland, a city located in California’s Inland Empire.

“During the investigation, a search warrant was served at a residence in Upland,” an official said, reported ABC News. “One suspect attempted to flee but ultimately surrendered without incident. Detectives recovered fourteen boxes of stolen merchandise, along with evidence indicating the items were being prepared for resale and shipment across the country.”

Detectives recovered 14 boxes of stolen goods and found evidence suggesting the pair intended to ship and resell the collectibles nationwide, reported AP.

Both suspects were taken to San Bernardino County juvenile hall on suspicion of burglary and conspiracy to commit burglary.

The announcement follows a separate case under investigation in Los Angeles County, where thieves stole roughly $7000 worth of the toothy figurines from a store in La Puente.

Created by a Hong Kong-born artist, Kasing Lung, the Labubu was first launched in 2015 and is marketed by China’s Pop Mart. More than 300 Labubu doll designs have been released since its debut in 2015.