Police in San Bernardino County, California, recovered more than 14 boxes of Labubu collectibles valued at around $30,000 earlier this week — and say the sought-after keychains had been stolen from a warehouse in multiple trips over several days.
According to NBC News, authorities have not released the name of the warehouse owner or confirmed exactly when the thefts took place. However, they believe the merchandise was being prepared for resale and shipment across the country. “During the investigation, a search warrant was served at a residence in Upland. One suspect attempted to flee but ultimately surrendered without incident,” the Chino Police Department wrote on Facebook.
“Detectives recovered fourteen boxes of stolen merchandise, along with evidence indicating the items were being prepared for resale and shipment across the country,” the statement continues.
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Suspect Surrenders After Attempting to Flee
When police executed the search warrant at the Upland home, one suspect reportedly tried to run from officers but surrendered without further incident. Alongside the boxes of stolen Labubus, detectives say they found packing materials and shipping labels — suggesting the items were ready to be distributed to buyers nationwide.
Labubus, small plush keychains from the popular Pop Mart toy line, have become a hot commodity among collectors and can sell for hundreds of dollars each on resale platforms. That kind of demand has also made them a target for thieves.
Similar Theft in Los Angeles
Authorities say this case comes just days after a similar theft in Los Angeles, where a group of suspects stole $7,000 worth of Labubus from a retail store. Surveillance footage from that incident shows multiple individuals taking entire boxes of the plush collectibles and loading them into vehicles.
Police have not confirmed whether the two cases are connected, but given the timing and the value of the stolen items, investigators are exploring possible links.