In the early hours of Wednesday morning, a smash-and-grab robbery in La Puente, California, left a popular collectible toy store devastated. Thieves made off with an estimated $7,000 worth of Labubu dolls — the highly sought-after plush creatures designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in collaboration with Chinese retailer Pop Mart.
The incident took place at One Stop Sales, located about 18 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, four suspects wearing masks used a stolen Toyota Tacoma to ram into the storefront before looting it. The getaway vehicle was later recovered by authorities.
Store co-owner Joanna Avendano described the break-in as “heartbreaking” and “devastating,” telling local reporters that years of hard work were wiped away in minutes. Surveillance footage posted on the store’s Instagram account shows masked thieves smashing through the entrance, rifling through shelves, and hauling boxes of Labubu dolls out the door.
Why Labubu Dolls Have Become a Target for Thieves
Labubu dolls, known for their quirky “toothy monster” design, have become one of 2025’s most viral collectible trends. The dolls are adored by celebrities such as Rihanna, BLACKPINK’s Lisa, and Dua Lipa, often seen using them as accessories in social media posts. Some limited editions can fetch up to $500 each on resale markets.
The frenzy for these toys has pushed demand far beyond supply, creating a lucrative target for theft. In June, NPR reported that a life-size Labubu sold for an astounding $170,000 at a Chinese auction, attracting more than 1,000 bidders. Collectors often chase rare colorways, seasonal releases, and artist collaborations, making them prime for black-market sales.
Was the Los Angeles Labubu Doll Heist Planned?
Avendano believes the theft was premeditated, pointing to a suspicious truck seen parked outside the store the night before the robbery. “It’s not like they came for random stuff — they knew exactly what they wanted,” she said. “They went straight for the Labubus.”
The targeted nature of the burglary has raised concerns among small business owners in the collectibles industry, who worry that social media hype can make certain products more attractive to organized theft rings.
How Police Are Responding
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has launched a manhunt for the suspects. While the stolen vehicle has been recovered, no arrests have been made so far. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and appealing to the public for information.
A department spokesperson confirmed the total value of stolen goods was around $7,000 and emphasized that these items are distinctive and potentially traceable. Resale listings of Labubu dolls are now being closely monitored.
The Growing Risk for Collectibles Retailers
This is not the first time hype-driven collectibles have been targeted. Sneakers, trading cards, and limited-edition action figures have all seen similar theft spikes in recent years. Experts recommend that retailers dealing in high-value or trending products:
Invest in reinforced storefront security
Use off-site storage for limited editions
Install 24-hour monitored alarm systems
Avoid posting exact inventory details online
With Labubu dolls continuing to trend globally, shops may need to rethink how they display and store their most valuable merchandise.
Despite the theft, demand for Labubu dolls shows no signs of slowing down. Pop Mart is expected to release several new designs later this year, which will likely reignite excitement — and competition — among buyers. Collectors are advised to purchase from verified sellers and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
Meanwhile, One Stop Sales is trying to recover from the loss. The store’s Instagram post asking followers to share information about the thieves has received hundreds of supportive comments from customers and fellow collectors.
Labubu dolls may be whimsical in appearance, but as this Los Angeles heist shows, their market value has turned them into serious targets for crime. As police continue their investigation, the collectible world watches closely, hoping the stolen toys are recovered — and that the growing trend doesn’t fuel more high-profile thefts in the future.
You Must Know:
What are Labubu dolls?
Labubu dolls are collectible plush and vinyl figures designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in collaboration with Pop Mart. They feature a distinctive “toothy monster” design and come in various limited-edition styles.
Why are Labubu dolls so expensive?
Their value comes from limited production runs, celebrity endorsements, and high demand in global collectible markets. Some rare editions have sold for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
How much were the stolen Labubu dolls worth in the LA theft?
Authorities estimate the stolen dolls had a retail value of around $7,000, though resale prices could be much higher.
Are Labubu dolls safe for children?
While most are safe for display or gentle play, some collectibles contain small parts or delicate materials. Always check manufacturer safety guidelines.
How can I spot fake Labubu dolls?
Look for official Pop Mart branding, quality stitching, and authentic packaging. Counterfeits often have mismatched colors or poor material quality.
