Picture this: a gang of masked thieves busts into a toy shop in La Puente, storms straight past the cash register, and grabs only one thing—boxes of hip, TikTok-famous Labubu dolls. That’s not a movie plot. It’s Tuesday morning in Southern California. Here’s what went down at the Los Angeles store burglary, and why everyone’s still talking about this plush craze gone criminal.
Scene of the Crime
The store? One Stop Sales, a new toy and collectibles shop that had just opened two months earlier in La Puente. It specializes in quirky collectibles, including the now-infamous Labubus—those toothy, wide-eyed plush dolls that popped onto fashion bags and social media feeds like wildfire.
At around 1:29 a.m., four masked suspects smashed the front door, skipped over electronics and cash, and loaded up boxes of Labubu dolls—valued at about $7,000 by the sheriff’s office, though the store claims losses as high as $30,000, depending on pricing and resale values. Then they late-stroll out to a waiting Toyota Tacoma, which was later found abandoned nearby.
Why Only Labubu Dolls?
Labubu dolls aren’t just toys—they’re collectibles with a cult-like following. Created by Pop Mart, these plush monsters fly off shelves and resell for hundreds, even thousands of dollars. They’ve been spotted in the arms of Rihanna, Blackpink’s Lisa, and other celebrities. One life-sized Labubu fetched $170,000 at a Beijing auction. Retail price? A modest $28—if you can snag one.
So when the store posted about a restock on Instagram, it was basically sending a neon sign to slick thieves: “Tonight’s target = Labubu.”
From Social Media to Crime Scene
Store co-owner Joanna Avendano says she noticed a suspicious vehicle parked outside after the restock post went live. That gut feeling led her to check security footage—only to see masked figures storming in, trashing shelves, and walking out with boxes of Labubus.
Post-robbery, she posted on Instagram: “They took all of our inventory. We are still in shock.” The drama spread fast—fans, followers, and local detectives are now all online watching those clips.
Why It’s Bigger Than a Burglary
Here’s where it gets layered:
- The Labubu doll craze: This heist shows how pop culture collectibles can spiral into criminal magnets.
- Supply chain vulnerability: A new shop, selling exclusive inventory via social buzz—easy prey for orchestrated crime.
- Social media amplification: The store’s post helped drive fandom—and unfortunately, thievery.
- Local buzz to global watch: This isn’t just LA news. It’s collectible culture meeting crime thriller, and people can’t stop watching.
A Breakdown of the “Labubu Doll Heist” Impact
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Theft method | Smash and grab—quick, selective, and executed in under two minutes |
| Value at stake | $7,000 (law enforcement estimate) to $30,000+ (store estimate) |
| Doll appeal | Quirky design, celebrity exposure, blind-box rarity |
| Store vulnerability | New business, synced restock with social media, ease of access |
| Aftermath | Local police investigation, social media outrage, collectible buzz |
What This Means for Collectible Culture
Labubu’s fly-off-the-shelves formula is part rarity, part fandom. The dolls come in blind-box formats—buyers don’t know what they’ll get. Limiting trickles, mystery packs, and stylized designs feed frenzy. When pop culture, scarcity, and fandom collide—crime often follows.
That’s exactly what happened in La Puente this week.
The Bigger Picture: Security Meets Fandom
For other collectible stores, the takeaway is clear:
- Manage restock alerts thoughtfully—especially on public platforms.
- Invest in visible security—cameras, alarms, and even plain-clothes staff.
- Build trust with your community—but don’t inadvertently become a target.
As for the shoppers? Wear it proudly, but maybe stash that viral plush away from public windows.
Final Word: A Plush Crime Story with a Cautionary Twist
The Labubu doll heist isn’t just a burglary—it’s a snapshot of our times. Fandom driving demand. Social media shaping behavior. Collectibles blurring lines between toy and investment.
For now, One Stop Sales is reeling. But their story is more than emotion—it’s a lesson in how the smallest plush item can snag viral fame—and draw unwanted criminal heat.
Stay sharp, stay safe—and maybe sleep with your Labubu under lock and key.
