(KTLA) – Two people were arrested in California as part of an organized retail theft bust involving thousands of dollars worth of stolen LEGO toys.
The suspects were identified as Richard Siegel, 71, from Long Beach, and Blanca Gudino, 39, from Lawndale, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
In December 2023, detectives were alerted to a string of thefts at a Target store in Los Angeles. Loss prevention workers identified Gudino as the suspect.
On June 4, police said they witnessed Gudino allegedly 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 over 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGO toy sets, police said.
Over 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGO toy sets were discovered inside a Long Beach home during a massive theft ring bust. (Los Angeles Police Department) 
Over 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGO toy sets were discovered inside a Long Beach home during a massive theft ring bust. (Los Angeles Police Department) 
Over 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGO toy sets were discovered inside a Long Beach home during a massive theft ring bust. (Los Angeles Police Department) 
Over 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGO toy sets were discovered inside a Long Beach home during a massive theft ring bust. (Los Angeles Police Department)
Photos of the bust show rows of LEGO boxes stored on shelves, making the living room look like a warehouse.
Most of the stolen toys were collector’s items or pricier sets. The individual retail value for each item ranged from $20 to over $1,000, LAPD said.
Among the stolen sets were collectible Star Wars, Ninjago, Harry Potter, Technic vehicles, LEGO Architecture, Marvel, Minecraft, special pop-culture editions and more.
One of the stolen items even appeared to be a demo set housed in plexiglass that is typically displayed inside a store.
While investigating Siegel’s residence, police witnessed potential toy buyers arriving at the home, brought in by advertisements that Siegel had allegedly posted online.
Siegel was arrested on charges of organized retail theft, and Gudino was arrested for allegations of grand theft. The incidents remain under investigation.
This bust follows similar thefts targeting Bricks & Minifigs stores throughout Southern California. During those incidents, thieves smashed their way into multiple stores before escaping with around $100,000 worth of LEGO toys.
