In a burglary investigation that unfolded in Upland, investigators found not cash or jewelry, but a stash of Labubu plush monsters that have become this year’s must-have collectible. Police say 14 boxes were seized from a home, and each box contained the Labubu figures, with an estimated value of about $30,000.
The operation appeared to be focused on reselling the popular figurines, with authorities describing a scheme to ship units across the country. One person inside the residence tried to flee but eventually surrendered, and the Labubus were returned to their owner.
The case adds to a pattern of Labubu-related thefts in Southern California. Earlier this week, a La Puente shop known for selling Labubu merchandise was burglarized, and some of the stock was taken. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department later recovered some items from that incident. The Labubu line is sold exclusively through Pop Mart, a Chinese-based company, and new releases often trigger a flurry of activity online before pickup at stores nationwide.
Details on the figures reveal their surprising market: while typical Labubu plush toys sell for around $30, media reports have cited extremely high prices for rarer pieces, including a child-sized Labubu that reportedly sold at auction for as much as $150,000, and limited editions priced up to $150 each.
As Labubu’s popularity fuels demand, authorities say the risk of theft tied to lucrative collectibles remains a concern for retailers and collectors alike. The ongoing investigation in Upland and the related La Puente incident highlight the challenges of safeguarding high-demand inventory in today’s collectibles market.
What this means for readers and collectors: the case underscores how quickly popular items can become targets for resale networks, and it reminds shoppers to be mindful of provenance and security when dealing with high-demand collectibles. If nothing else, it illustrates how quickly a hobby can turn into a high-stakes pursuit for some online buyers and sellers.
Summary note: Labubu remains a sought-after line from Pop Mart, with new drops driving notable attention and, at times, the risk of theft in the broader market. The Upland investigation continues as authorities pursue leads connected to the resale operation.