Lego sets have evolved from a colorful pile of bricks into more elaborate and sophisticated collectibles that entertain children and adults alike. While many holiday shoppers will leave the store with a set or two for a loved one, organized criminals are also eyeing these beloved toys.
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As Lego has grown in popularity and complexity, so has the price tag. Some Lego sets are easily worth hundreds of dollars, with some particular sets climbing into the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.
These relatively small but lucrative toys and collectibles are the perfect target for criminals looking to profit from holiday shopping.
Recent news of Lego-related arrests suggest products have been making their way into the hands of unwitting holiday shoppers through channels like online marketplaces.
Last month, the police department in Santa Rosa, California arrested a person suspected of being involved in an organized retail theft fencing operation focused on Legos [1].
Detectives said a 39-year-old was “directing others to steal expensive Lego sets and purchasing the stolen property at a reduced price to turn around and resell the sets or individual mini figurines at inflated prices.” They said they found tens of thousands of Lego pieces spread throughout the home and recovered $6,000 worth of the toys.
“The sale of stolen LEGO collectible figurines is a growing concern due to their high resale value, popularity among collectors, and ease of concealment,” said the post. “These items are often targeted because they’re small, untraceable, and in high demand, making them ideal for quick resale through online marketplaces or informal channels.”
Police in Watauga, Texas recently arrested a man they say primarily stole Lego from 23 Target stores over the past two months in 14 cities, reported Fox Business [2].
How can you protect yourself from buying a stolen set?
Buyer beware
Unfortunately, simply choosing not to steal may not be enough to protect yourself from the potential “financial loss or legal complications” that the Santa Rosa police warned shoppers about in their post.
Stolen Lego sets may show up in places that holiday shoppers might not expect, like online marketplaces, pawn shops, flea markets, and more.
In October, two pawnshop brokers in the Seattle area were convicted of intentionally selling large amounts of stolen Lego sets through an online retailer, according to a News Tribune report [3]. Their shop was close to two different Target stores and 37 seized Lego sets are said to have been from Target.
Sometimes, Lego sets are broken up into smaller pieces, like mini individual figurines. While some shoppers might not go through the trouble of buying figurines piecemeal or finding deals outside of major retailers, others with a growing passion for Lego sets might not think twice about seeking out a rare set off the beaten sales path.
For example, some collectors are choosing to purchase dozens of Lego sets to create sprawling plastic utopias within dedicated rooms of their homes. Several hobbyists proudly shared their jaw-dropping creations in a recent Wall Street Journal article [4]. Some of the setups included might be worth thousands of dollars.
How to protect yourself from a bad deal or becoming a target
As law enforcement cracks down on shoplifters targeting Lego sets, holiday shoppers could get caught in the middle.
One possible consequence is confiscation of a prized Lego set, which could leave you out hundreds or thousands of dollars. For example, if you purchase a San Diego Comic-Con 2013 Spider-Man or Han Solo Indiana Jones Transformation Chamber that is later confiscated, you could easily be out around $10,000.
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With that potential for loss in mind, it’s important to seek out trustworthy sellers when making a Lego purchase. If possible, stick with stores that have a reputation for selling legitimate Lego products. If you can’t find a retailer that you trust in town, consider shopping directly on the Lego website or another reputable online seller.
With such a lucrative market, it’s easy to see how criminals might expand from shoplifting to targeted heists of valuable Lego sets from private homes. Even if a thief doesn’t make off with your valuable sets, a fire or other disaster could ruin your collection.
So, for anyone spending a considerable amount on bricks and mini-figures, it’s important to make sure that your asset is protected. Typically, a homeowner’s insurance policy or renters insurance policy covers your personal belongings, like Lego sets, during a claim. For example, if a basement fire destroys your Lego collection, among other things, you could file a claim to recoup those financial losses.
A standard home or renters insurance policy might be suitable while you are starting a Lego collection. But, at some point, it’s a good idea to consider collectible insurance coverage specifically designed to protect the value of your collection. Many home and renters insurance policies have a cap on how much they’ll pay to replace your personal belongings. Take a closer look at your policy to determine if the value of your collection has stretched beyond the limits of your coverage.
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Article sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.
Santa Rosa Police Department/Facebook (1); Fox Business (2); The News Tribune (3); The Wall street Journal (4)
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.