LEGO enthusiasts across Southern California are reeling from a string of burglaries that have struck multiple locations of the beloved “Bricks & Minifigs” store chain. Owners estimate losses nearing $100,000 due to the thefts.
Franchise owners have observed a pattern in the burglaries, leading them to suspect that the same individual is behind each incident. Katherine Leuschner, owner of the Whittier store, expressed frustration, noting that surveillance footage consistently captures the perpetrator’s car and attire.
“His car shows up in every camera, and he’s wearing the same outfit in most of the videos,” Leuschner remarked. “It’s baffling how he hasn’t been apprehended yet.”
The affected stores span several cities, including Whittier, Fullerton, Costa Mesa, Riverside, and Ontario, all of which have suffered break-ins over the past two months. Additionally, an attempted burglary occurred at the Anaheim location, although no items were taken.
Surveillance footage reveals a familiar pattern: the burglar breaks windows for entry, then heads straight to the miniature figures section, equipped with a plastic trash bag and a headlamp.
Nancy Randal, owner of the Anaheim store, described the burglaries as swift and efficient, with the perpetrator entering and exiting the premises in a matter of minutes.
The cumulative losses from these incidents have reached nearly $100,000 in LEGO products. Leuschner recounted one particularly distressing incident at her Whittier store, where approximately $10,000 worth of figures were stolen before the suspect fled upon hearing a noise nearby.