In the early hours of August 6, four masked thieves broke into the One Stop Shop in La Puente, a city near Los Angeles, California, and stole approximately $7,000 worth of Labubu collectible dolls, which have become a sensation among collectors and fans. Using a stolen pickup truck, the group forced entry into the store around 1:30 a.m., ransacked shelves, and fled with dozens of boxes of the dolls. Security cameras captured the incident, which left the store in disarray with broken glass and scattered merchandise. Police recovered the vehicle used in the crime, but the suspects remain at large. The case has drawn attention due to the popularity of Labubu dolls, which command high prices in the collectibles market. The store, devastated, has asked the community for help in identifying the culprits.
The robbery lasted just minutes but left a lasting impact on the store’s owners. Joanna Avendano, co-owner of One Stop Shop, stated that the store, open for only two months, was targeted in a planned heist, possibly triggered by a social media post announcing a restock of Labubu dolls.
- Robbery details: The crime occurred at dawn with the front glass door broken.
- Estimated loss: $7,000 in dolls, plus property damage.
- Vehicle used: A stolen Toyota Tacoma, later recovered by police.
- Suspects’ status: Four masked individuals, still unidentified.
Popularity of Labubu dolls
Created in 2015 by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, Labubu dolls are inspired by Nordic fairy tales and are part of “The Monsters” series. Standing at just 15 centimeters, these quirky, mischievous-looking figures have captured the hearts of collectors worldwide. A partnership with Pop Mart, a Chinese blind-box company, turned Labubu into a global phenomenon, generating over $2.3 billion in revenue, according to Forbes. In the U.S. market, a single doll can fetch up to $300, with rare editions sold for as much as $10,500 on eBay.
The dolls’ success has also spawned a black market for fakes, known as “Lafufus,” made with low-quality materials. High demand and limited-edition releases drive up resale prices, making the dolls an attractive target for criminals.
- Origin: Created by Kasing Lung, inspired by Nordic mythology.
- Production: Made by Pop Mart in blind-box format.
- Market value: Up to $300 in the U.S.; rare editions reach thousands.
- Counterfeits: “Lafufus” are fake versions confusing consumers.
Impact on the collector community
The theft at One Stop Shop shook not only the owners but also local collectors, who see Labubu dolls as more than just toys. For many, these items are both an emotional and financial investment, with rare pieces highly sought after in auctions and online platforms. The store, a go-to spot for fans in La Puente, expressed its distress in an Instagram post, emphasizing the sentimental value of the stolen items.
Collectors reacted with outrage, and many took to social media to share the robbery footage, hoping to identify the culprits. The high demand for Labubu dolls has prompted some fans to consider insuring their collections, especially after similar incidents elsewhere.
Ongoing police investigation
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation, which has yet to result in arrests. Authorities confirmed that the Toyota Tacoma used by the thieves was recovered, but the suspects remain at large. Security footage shows the four individuals acting swiftly, suggesting a planned operation. Co-owner Joanna Avendano reported seeing a suspicious truck near the store the night before, reinforcing the theory of premeditation.
Police are reviewing the footage and seeking witnesses for additional information. The store reported that some of the stolen stock was recovered, but the property damage and loss of trust remain significant.
- Investigation status: Suspects at large; vehicle recovered.
- Evidence: Security footage shows four masked individuals.
- Store’s response: Community outreach via social media for help.
- Additional damage: Broken glass door and scattered merchandise.
Global Labubu phenomenon
The Labubu craze extends far beyond the U.S., with celebrities like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Blackpink’s Lisa showcasing the dolls as fashion accessories. In the UK, Pop Mart had to halt in-store sales to avoid overcrowding, while in Russia, a knockoff called “Chebubu” has emerged, highlighting the dolls’ global reach. In Brazil, Labubu dolls are also gaining traction, sold on platforms like Mercado Livre and featured at collectible events.
The blind-box model, where buyers only discover the doll upon opening, fuels collectors’ obsession, as they purchase multiple boxes hoping for rare editions. Experts compare this system to gambling, boosting the dolls’ market value and attracting both fans and opportunists.
Store and community reactions
Despite the loss, One Stop Shop is working to recover. Co-owner Joanna Avendano emphasized the emotional toll of the robbery, as the family-run business relies on customer trust. The Instagram post, including the robbery footage, garnered thousands of views and supportive messages from collectors and La Puente residents.
The store plans to enhance security with new alarms and high-resolution cameras. Meanwhile, the local community has rallied, with some customers offering donations to aid recovery efforts.
- Store measures: Plans to install new alarms and cameras.
- Community support: Customers shared the robbery video and offered help.
- Emotional impact: Owners describe the theft as a personal blow.
- Partial recovery: Some stolen stock was found, but damages persist.
Booming collectibles market
The La Puente robbery underscores the growing collectibles market, fueled by items like Labubu dolls. Experts view these objects as “serious investments” with long-term value potential. A life-sized Labubu was auctioned for $170,000 in Beijing, showcasing their worth.
Pop Mart, which doubled its revenue in 2021, leads the blind-box market, with Labubu as its flagship product. The mix of scarcity, unique design, and cultural appeal makes these dolls both desirable and vulnerable to crimes like the one in California.