The recent robbery at a La Puente, California store has shocked collectors and fans of Labubu dolls worldwide. On August 6, a group of masked thieves forcibly entered a local toy store and stole approximately $7,000 worth of Labubu dolls, wiping out the store’s entire inventory. This incident not only highlights the rising value and demand for these collectible toys but also raises concerns about the security risks facing specialty stores that stock highly sought-after items.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that the theft took place early in the morning on August 6 at One Stop Sales, a toy store in La Puente specializing in collectible items. According to official reports, the thieves arrived in a stolen Toyota Tacoma, which was later recovered by authorities.
The suspects, dressed in hoodies and face masks, forced their way into the store, quickly gathering all the Labubu dolls in stock. Surveillance footage captured by USA Today vividly shows the masked individuals breaking in, hastily rifling through merchandise, and carrying out boxes filled with the dolls.
The thieves did not just steal the inventory; they reportedly trashed the store premises before making their getaway. The store’s Instagram post expressed their shock and desperation, urging the public to assist in identifying the culprits. The loss of the entire collection is a major blow for One Stop Sales, which catered to a niche but passionate customer base.
The Rising Popularity and Value of Labubu Dolls
Labubu dolls, created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, have garnered a devoted following since their launch about a decade ago. These monster-like collectible toys are produced by Pop Mart, a Hong Kong-based company that has made a name for itself in the global collectible toy market. The unique designs, limited edition releases, and artist collaborations have made Labubu dolls highly desirable among collectors worldwide.
The surge in popularity of Labubu dolls can be partially attributed to social media platforms like TikTok, where fans showcase their collections and unboxing experiences. This exposure has turned Labubu into a global phenomenon, with a strong fanbase particularly in Southeast Asia.
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The craze gained additional momentum in April 2024 when K-pop superstar and actress Lisa Manobal, widely known as Lisa from the group BLACKPINK, was spotted carrying a Labubu doll. Other celebrities, including Rihanna, have also been seen with these toys, further boosting their cultural cachet and collectible value.
Authorities are looking for Labubu thieves who broke into a California store and made off with $7,000 worth of the monster doll collection. pic.twitter.com/cNCRO5HSY5
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) August 9, 2025
In July, videos of fans lining up in huge numbers at Pop Mart’s Bourke Street store during a limited-edition toy launch went viral. This intense demand underscores how prized these dolls have become, contributing to their high market value and making stores that stock them potential targets for theft.
Impact on Collectors, Retailers, and Security Concerns
The theft of the entire Labubu collection from One Stop Sales not only affects the store’s business but also the collectors who depend on these stores to obtain rare and limited-edition toys. Many collectors invest considerable time and money building their collections, and incidents like this cause disruptions in availability and drive up prices on secondary markets.
For retailers, the incident is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities they face when dealing with high-demand collectible items. Specialty toy stores often operate on thin margins and cannot easily absorb such losses. This event may push stores to reevaluate their security protocols, including installing better surveillance, alarms, and perhaps even reconsidering inventory display methods to deter theft.
The public’s role in helping law enforcement identify the suspects is crucial. Store owners and collectors alike hope that increased awareness will prevent future crimes and ensure that stolen items do not enter the resale market, where they might fetch high prices but lose their provenance and legal ownership.
The brazen theft of Labubu dolls from a La Puente store is emblematic of the growing cultural and monetary value of collectible toys in the modern era. As Labubu dolls continue to captivate fans and collectors worldwide, incidents like this highlight the challenges faced by retailers in protecting their valuable inventory. The incident has ignited a conversation about security in niche markets and the importance of community vigilance to protect beloved collectibles.
For One Stop Sales and its customers, the hope remains that justice will be served and that the stolen dolls can be recovered. Meanwhile, collectors around the globe are reminded of the passion and risks involved in pursuing prized collectibles in today’s high-demand marketplace.