Los Angeles police seized more than 2,800 boxes of Lego sets stolen from the home of a 71-year-old man on Wednesday.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the retail value of individual boxes ranges from $20 to well over $1,000.
Officers arrested 71-year-old Richard Siegel and his alleged accomplice, 39-year-old Blanca Gudino, after searching the elderly man’s Long Beach home.
Detectives began investigating the incident after a San Pedro retailer identified Gudino as a suspect in several robberies last December.
Detectives seize thousands of Lego sets stolen from elderly man’s home. Los Angeles Police Department
Seven months later, on June 4, officers observed Gudino stealing items from retail stores in Torrance and Lakewood and delivering them to Siegel’s home. When investigators searched the home, several buyers showed up at Siegel’s house, leading detectives to believe he was selling the stolen goods online.
Investigators arrested Siegel on suspicion of organized retail theft and Gudino on suspicion of grand larceny.
Part of a stolen Lego set confiscated by police. Los Angeles Police Department
Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to call detectives at (310) 726-7900. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477 or text them to 274637.
All text messages must begin with “LAPD.”
Matthew Rodriguez