Two people suspected of stealing nearly 3,000 boxes of Lego toys from retail stores across the South Bay and Long Beach areas of Southern California were arrested this week, authorities said.
Blanca Gudino, 39, of Lawndale, and Richard Siegel, 71, of Long Beach, were arrested on Wednesday after a six-month investigation into the thefts, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The investigation began in December after a series of thefts at a retail store in the 1700 block of North Gaffey Street in San Pedro. Loss prevention staff had identified Gudino as the suspect, police said.
On June 4, police say they observed Gudino stealing items from the same retailer in Torrance and Lakewood.
The Lego sets were then brought by Gudino to Siegel’s residence in Long Beach, police said.
A search warrant was served at the Long Beach residence the following day and more than 2,800 boxes of Lego toys were found, ranging in value from US$20 to more than US$1,000. While authorities were investigating the residence potential buyers for the Legos, lured by advertisements Siegel placed on the internet, arrived to buy toys at the house.
Gudino was booked on suspicion of grand theft, while Siegel was booked for organised retail theft.
