LOS ANGELES (AP) – In a brazen theft, a group of masked thieves made off with approximately $7,000 worth of Labubu dolls from a store located in La Puente, California, early Wednesday morning. The incident occurred just 18 miles (29 kilometers) east of downtown Los Angeles, as reported by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
The sheriff's department revealed that the suspects utilized a stolen Toyota Tacoma to carry out the operation. Fortunately, the vehicle was recovered shortly after the theft. Authorities are currently investigating the incident but have not provided further details about the suspects or their whereabouts.
Labubu dolls, created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, have gained immense popularity as collectible items, especially since their introduction a decade ago. The unique design of these toothy monsters has captivated toy enthusiasts and collectors alike.
One Stop Sales, the toy vendor from which the dolls were stolen, shared a post on Instagram detailing the shocking event. According to their account, the thieves not only stole the entire inventory of Labubu dolls but also vandalized the store, leaving it in disarray. Surveillance footage released by One Stop Sales shows a group of individuals wearing hoodies and face coverings as they broke into the establishment, rifling through items and loading boxes of merchandise into their vehicle.
The store expressed its disbelief and distress over the incident in its social media post, appealing to the public for assistance in identifying and locating the thieves. Their call for help highlights the impact of the crime on small businesses, which rely on inventory for their livelihood.
Authorities continue to investigate the case, working to gather more evidence and information about the suspects involved. As the popularity of Labubu dolls grows, incidents like this raise concerns about the security of collectible items, which can often become targets for theft.
The event has sparked discussions regarding the safety of retail stores, especially those specializing in unique and popular items. As the investigation unfolds, both the La Puente community and toy collectors will be watching closely for updates and further developments related to this case.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the challenges faced by local businesses, particularly in areas where theft can undermine their stability and reputation. The recovery of stolen items, as well as justice for the victims, remains a priority for law enforcement in the region.
