Labubu Loot Recovered in SoCal Burglary Investigation

Labubu figurines, a rising cult favorite among collectors, are driving new kinds of crime as demand pushes prices higher.

Labubu Loot Recovered in SoCal Burglary Investigation

Chino police say 14 boxes were seized during a burglary probe at a home in Upland. Each box contained Labubu figurines, with the total value estimated at about $30,000. The items were linked to a series of thefts from a local warehouse and were reportedly being prepared for resale across the country. A teenager inside the home tried to flee but surrendered; a second teenager was arrested in connection with the burglary. The Labubus were returned to their owner and the investigation continues.

Labubu figures are usually sold at Pop Mart stores and fuel a fervor when new drops arrive. A rare child size Labubu has reportedly sold for as much as $150,000 at auction, according to media reports, underscoring the volatility of limited editions. The case ties into other recent incidents in the Southland, including a La Puente shop burglary where thieves targeted Labubu stock and later had some merchandise recovered by authorities. The items are often sold in timed online events and can be picked up at storefronts across the United States.

The Labubu craze illustrates how pop culture trends can spawn new risk areas. When demand spikes for limited editions, fans, retailers, and even thieves are pulled into a fast moving marketplace that relies on online sales and cross country shipping. This case shows how a local burglary can connect to a broader resale network, turning a hobby into potential criminal profit. Youth involvement in the crime signals a need for awareness about how teens access and monetize online exchanges tied to collectibles.

Looking ahead, retailers and communities face the task of securing inventory and monitoring resale channels. Law enforcement may need sharper methods to trace online transfers and track coordinated thefts that span multiple states. The question for readers is what safeguards will keep enthusiasm for collectibles from tipping into illegal activity while preserving the fun of collecting.

Highlights

Fandom will outpace rules only if communities refuse to adapt.