Quick Read
- Masked thieves stole $7,000 worth of Labubu dolls from a California toy store.
- The heist reflects the skyrocketing demand for Labubu collectibles, created by artist Kasing Lung.
- The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating, but no suspects have been arrested yet.
In a brazen act of burglary, a gang of masked thieves made off with $7,000 worth of Labubu collectible dolls from a toy store in La Puente, California, early on the morning of August 6, 2025. The break-in, which took place at One Stop Sales, has left the store owners and the local community reeling. The incident highlights the growing craze for Labubu dolls, which have become a global sensation in recent years.
A Well-Planned Heist
The burglary occurred around 1:29 a.m. local time, with surveillance footage capturing at least four individuals clad in hoodies and face masks smashing their way into the store. The thieves rifled through shelves and carried out boxes filled with merchandise. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the group used a stolen white Toyota Tacoma for their getaway. The vehicle was later recovered, but the suspects remain at large. The Sheriff’s Department is actively investigating the case, but no arrests have been made as of yet.
Co-owner Joanna Avendano, in an emotional statement to local media, expressed her dismay over the incident. “We worked so hard to get to this point, only for them to just come in and take it all away,” she told KABC-TV. The store also shared the surveillance footage on Instagram, alongside images of shattered glass and overturned displays, sparking an outpouring of support from their followers.
The Labubu Phenomenon
Labubu dolls, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, first entered the market in 2015 and have since captured the imagination of collectors worldwide. Known for their “creepy-cute” aesthetic, these figures have become highly sought-after, with original retail prices of $30 now ballooning to hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the resale market. The dolls’ popularity has been fueled by social media and endorsements from celebrities like Rihanna, Lizzo, and BLACKPINK’s Lisa.
The Chinese toy company Pop Mart, which manufactures Labubu dolls, has reported skyrocketing revenues, with $1.8 billion in sales in 2024—more than double its 2023 figures. Pop Mart’s success reflects the broader trend of collectible toys becoming a lucrative global market, with fans often queuing for hours to purchase limited-edition releases. Scenes of long lines at Labubu pop-up stores have become a common sight on social media platforms.
Impact on the Community
The theft has sent ripples through the local community in La Puente, a suburb located about 18 miles east of Los Angeles. One Stop Sales is a beloved fixture in the area, known for its unique inventory of collectible toys. The loss of their entire Labubu stock is a significant financial blow to the store, particularly as these items were among their most valuable merchandise.
Supporters have rallied around the shop, with many expressing outrage over the crime and pledging to help the owners recover from the loss. “This is devastating for a small business,” one commenter wrote on Instagram. “We’re here for you and hope justice is served.”
Broader Implications
This incident is part of a larger trend of smash-and-grab robberies targeting high-value, easily resold items. The rise in such crimes has been attributed to a combination of economic pressures and the lucrative nature of the secondary market for collectibles. Law enforcement agencies across the country are grappling with how to combat this growing issue, which often involves organized criminal groups.
The Labubu theft also underscores the risks associated with the booming market for collectible toys. While the soaring demand has brought significant profits to manufacturers like Pop Mart, it has also made these items a target for thieves. Experts suggest that retailers may need to invest in enhanced security measures, such as reinforced display cases and alarm systems, to deter future incidents.
The heist at One Stop Sales serves as a stark reminder of the darker side of the collectibles craze. As authorities continue their investigation, the community and the toy industry at large are left grappling with the implications of this audacious crime.