Two people were arrested in a massive organized retail theft bust involving thousands of dollars worth of allegedly 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 the 1700 block of North Gaffey Street in San Pedro.
Loss prevention workers identified Gudino as the suspect involved.
On June 4, police said they witnessed Gudino allegedly stealing LEGO products from Target stores in Torrance and Lakewood. She would then drop off the merchandise at Siegel’s home in Long Beach.
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,
Photos of the massive bust show countless rows of LEGO boxes stored on shelves that took over the living room in a warehouse-like fashion.
Most of the stolen toys were collector’s items or expensive sets. The individual retail value for each item ranged anywhere between $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 a 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 posted online.
Siegel was arrested on charges of organized retail theft and Gudino was arrested for 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.
Anyone with information on the case can call Harbor Area detectives at 310-726-7900. The public can also call the LAPD at 1-877-527-3247.
Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters can also contact Crime Stoppers by sending texts to 274637. All text messages should begin with the letters, “LAPD.”