Police Uncover Massive Lego Theft Ring Worth Over $200,000

Police in Oregon have dismantled a significant theft ring involving Lego sets, recovering more than $200,000 worth of the popular toy in the process. Officials announced the bust after a three-month investigation that exposed the scale and operations of the theft ring centered around Brick Builders, a store in Eugene, Oregon.

The investigation revealed that the owner of Brick Builders, located on Willamette Street, was knowingly purchasing new, unopened Lego sets that had been stolen from nearby retail stores, according to a statement by the Springfield Police Department posted on Facebook. The stolen Lego sets, valued at hundreds of dollars each, were then resold for cash at Brick Builders.

On July 3, officers executed a search warrant at Brick Builders, resulting in the recovery of 4,153 Lego sets with a total estimated value exceeding $200,000. The police emphasized that the thieves, who stole the Lego sets from local retailers, were typically paid only a fraction of the sets’ retail value. It was alleged that many of the individuals involved in the theft used the proceeds to purchase drugs.

During interviews, suspects informed the police that the staff at Brick Builders were aware that the Lego sets had been recently stolen. The police department's Facebook post detailed these allegations, further underscoring the store's involvement in the theft ring.

However, John Kolego, the attorney representing the owner of Brick Builders, disputed these allegations. Kolego asserted that many of the Lego sets shown in police photos are special collector items that his client traded with other sellers across the country, suggesting they could not have been stolen from local retailers. He argued that most of the sets pictured are not available in regular stores and, therefore, could not have been part of the stolen merchandise.

Kolego also questioned the police’s valuation of the recovered Lego sets, expressing confidence that this figure would not hold up in court. He emphasized the importance of keeping an open mind until all evidence is presented, stating, "We ask people to keep an open mind until there’s an opportunity to look at the evidence. These allegations we don’t believe are going to be proven."

The police department collaborated with loss prevention investigators from major retailers, including Target, Fred Meyer, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart, to confirm that the owner of Brick Builders was buying stolen Lego sets from their stores. This cooperation was crucial in piecing together the scale of the operation and establishing the links between the stolen goods and Brick Builders.

The suspects involved in the theft ring face potential charges of organized retail theft and theft by receiving. Police Chief Andrew Shearer highlighted the broader impact of such crimes, stating, "We all feel the impact of organized retail theft through the increasing cost of items we buy for our families. Recognizing this, SPD’s Crime Reduction Unit, with the support of our retail partners, works diligently to hold accountable those who make the choice to engage in or support retail theft."

The police emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that further developments are expected as they continue to scrutinize the evidence and pursue legal action against those involved. The case serves as a reminder of the pervasive nature of organized retail theft and the collaborative efforts required to combat it effectively.

CORRECTION (July 11, 2024, 5:30 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated the state of charges in the case. Potential charges include retail theft and theft by receiving, but the suspects have not yet been formally charged.