Labubu Heist in La Puente: Collectible Doll Craze Leads to $30,000 Theft

There’s a surprising criminal twist in La Puente this week. Collectible toy dolls known as Labubu—those quirky, "ugly-cute" plush figures that have captured the hearts of fans and fashion-forward influencers—have become the centerpiece of a $30,000 robbery from a local resale shop. This incident spotlights both the feverish demand for Labubus and the security risks emerging in collectible communities.

The Theft: How It Unfolded

Staff at the resale store in La Puente were alarmed to find that numerous Labubu dolls had vanished—bundled quickly and seemingly with intent—estimated value around $30,000. The theft occurred under cover of darkness, and no arrests have been made yet.
Yahoo

The store specializes in rare and limited-edition collectibles, with Labubus among its most prized offerings—some items in their inventory are reselling online for hundreds or even thousands of dollars each. This isn’t an isolated case. Related thefts have recently occurred in Orange County, where a makeup shop lost several of these dolls to burglars.
FOX 11 Los AngelesABC7 Los Angeles

Labubu: From Cute Collectible to Crime Target

What makes Labubu dolls so irresistible—and so vulnerable—has roots in social and pop culture:

• Created by illustrator Kasing Lung and sold via Chinese firm Pop Mart, Labubu figures are delivered in "blind boxes," heightening excitement and rarity.
  WikipediaPeople.com

• Celebrity exposure—especially when K‑Pop star Lisa from BLACKPINK was seen with a Labubu—triggered a wildfire social media frenzy. Collectors now spend significant sums to secure rare variations.
  People.comThe Wall Street Journal

This escalating demand has not only inspired resale frenzy but also catalyzed thefts. Security experts note a clear rise in collectible toy heists—victims share stories of Labubus stolen from bags and vehicles as well.
The SunPopmart World

What Collectors Should Know

• Authenticity matters: With demand high, counterfeit versions known as “Lafufus” are flooding the market. Chinese authorities have recently intervened, seizing tens of thousands of fakes in an effort to curb infringement and protect the brand’s cultural standing.
  The Washington Post

• Insure your collectibles: Some owners—particularly Millennials and Gen Z—now carry travel insurance for their Labubus amid travel-related theft threats.
  Daily Telegraph

• Secure display & transport: Experts encourage using locks, discreet carrying solutions, and avoiding public show-off when transporting rare dolls.

Conclusion

The La Puente burglary isn’t just a bizarre crime story—it’s a warning sign. As Labubu dolls ascend the collectible hierarchy, their shrinking availability and rising street value create a treasure trove for thieves.

For fans, the takeaway is clear: if it's rare, priced high, and instantly identifiable, it's also instantly desirable to criminals. Tighter security, proof of ownership, and smarter storage are no longer optional—they’re essential.