The smash of broken glass echoed through a quiet La Puente neighborhood as burglars shattered the front door of One Stop Sales just after 2 a.m. Wednesday. In under six minutes, they cleared the shelves of every Labubu doll in sight—$30,000 worth of the viral collectibles now driving a bizarre crime wave across Southern California. This isn’t just another retail theft; it’s a sign of how Pop Mart’s designer toys have become luxury targets, with rare editions reselling for thousands and sparking a collector frenzy that’s turned into a burglar’s goldmine.
Why Are Labubu Dolls Suddenly a Target for Thieves?
The Labubu doll—a wide-eyed, fanged creature from Chinese toy giant Pop Mart—has exploded into a $1.8 billion global phenomenon, according to the Economic Times. Each blind-boxed figure retails for $27.99, but limited editions command up to $5,000 on eBay.
“They ignored cash registers and electronics—just grabbed every Labubu they could carry,” said Joanna Avendano, co-owner of the ransacked One Stop Sales. Surveillance footage shows thieves loading trash bags with the plush toys, confirming a disturbing trend: June saw a similar heist at The Makeup Shack, where robbers took Labubus alongside safes and electronics.
Key Factors Driving the Crime Spike:
Blind-Box Hype: The “surprise” element fuels obsessive collecting and resale markups.
Celebrity Endorsements: TikTok stars like Charli D’Amelio have showcased their collections, amplifying demand.
Scalper Networks: Organized groups use bots to buy restocks, creating artificial scarcity.
How the Labubu Black Market Operates
Pop Mart’s North American releases—every Thursday online and Fridays in stores—trigger midnight digital stampedes. “Fans refresh apps for hours,” said Sioux Falls store owner Mark Tran, whose weekly 50-doll shipments sell out in minutes.
The Resale Pipeline:
Theft: Burglars target small shops with visible inventory (like One Stop Sales’ Instagram posts).
Fencing: Stolen dolls appear on Facebook Marketplace or niche forums within 48 hours.
Profit: Rare “Labubu the Vampire” editions fetch $1,200+ from international buyers.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies are tracking a white Toyota Tacoma seen fleeing both heists, suggesting a repeat crew.
Disney’s New Competitor
Capitalizing on the trend, Disney launched Urupocha-chan keychains this week—a direct challenge to Pop Mart’s blind-box dominance.
You Must Know:
Q: What makes Labubu dolls so valuable?
A: Rarity and resale potential. Limited editions like “Labubu the Cursed” had only 500 units globally, with resales hitting $4,500.
Q: Where can I buy authentic Labubu dolls?
A: Directly from Pop Mart’s site or authorized retailers. Avoid third-party sellers without verification.
Q: How do I spot stolen Labubu dolls?
A: Check for original packaging and holographic Pop Mart seals. Missing accessories are red flags.
Q: Are these thefts happening outside California?
A: Yes—reports are emerging in Texas and Illinois, per collector forums.
References
1. The Burglary Incident
KABC-TV (August 8, 2025). “Thieves ransack La Puente resale shop for its Labubu dolls.” Interview with Joanna Avendano, co-owner of One Stop Sales.
Surveillance Footage: Posted to @OneStopSales’ Instagram account on August 8, 2025 (time-stamped 2:14 AM PST).
2. Labubu Market Value & Industry Data
Economic Times (July 2025). “Pop Mart’s Labubu brand hits $1.8 billion valuation amid global collectibles boom.”
Pop Mart North America (August 2025 press release). “Weekly restock schedule for Labubu series in U.S. stores.”
HypeBeast Auctions (July 2025 report). “Secondary market prices for rare Labubu editions (2024–2025).” Statement from appraiser Liam Chen.
3. Previous Crimes & Trends
The Makeup Shack Burglary: Surveillance video and police report (June 12, 2025), cited by KABC.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (August 8, 2025). Public statement on the La Puente break-in (Case #LP-2025-0821).
4. Cultural Impact
TikTok: Viral videos from @CharliDamelio (March 2025) showcasing her Labubu collection (15.2M views).
Disney’s Urupocha-chan Launch: Official announcement (August 5, 2025), reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
5. Regional Demand
Pigeon605 (South Dakota, July 2025). “Labubu frenzy hits Midwest: Sioux Falls store sells out in minutes.” Interview with store owner Mark Tran.
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