Man Arrested for Stealing $34,000 in Legos, Swapping Pieces with Pasta

The 28-year-old suspect is accused of targeting Target stores across the U.S.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:06pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a Lego minifigure piece lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the investigative nature of this crime.A close examination of stolen Lego goods reveals the lengths thieves will go to conceal their crimes.Irvine Today

A 28-year-old man was arrested in Orange County, California for allegedly stealing around $34,000 worth of Lego merchandise from Target stores across the country. The suspect is accused of removing valuable Lego pieces and minifigures from the boxes and replacing them with dried pasta before returning the items to retailers.

Why it matters

Collectible Legos have become a popular commodity among investors, leading to a rise in thefts of rare and limited-edition sets. This case highlights the growing problem of Lego theft and the creative methods used by suspects to resell the stolen goods.

The details

Surveillance cameras captured the suspect entering a Target store in Irvine, California, grabbing two large Lego box sets, and then leaving the store. Irvine police say the man is wanted in connection with at least 70 thefts at Target stores across the U.S. He was arrested for grand theft and booked at the Orange County Jail.

  • The suspect was arrested on April 17, 2026 in Irvine, California.
  • Last week, three people were arrested after allegedly stealing two truck trailers in California that contained pricey Legos.

The players

The Suspect

A 28-year-old man accused of stealing around $34,000 worth of Lego merchandise from Target stores across the country.

Irvine Police

The law enforcement agency that investigated the case and arrested the suspect.

Joshua Hanlon

The host and owner of Beyond the Brick, the 'world's largest LEGO fan community', who provided insights on the Lego theft problem.

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What they’re saying

“Particularly Facebook Marketplace, I think, is probably the most popular option these days. You see a lot of these thefts being listed on there. Pretty soon after they take place, they'll start to try to offload them.”

— Joshua Hanlon, Host and Owner, Beyond the Brick

What’s next

Investigators are working to determine if the suspect is connected to any other Lego thefts across the country. The case highlights the growing problem of Lego theft and the need for better tracking and security measures to protect these valuable collectibles.

The takeaway

This case underscores the lucrative nature of Lego theft, as collectible Lego sets and minifigures have become a popular target for criminals looking to resell the stolen goods. It raises concerns about the lack of serial numbers on Lego pieces, making it difficult to trace stolen items, and the need for improved security measures to protect these valuable toys.