A California resident is accused of orchestrating an unusual and widespread theft scheme targeting LEGO sets. According to reports, the suspect allegedly purchased LEGO sets from Target stores, removed valuable minifigures and pieces, and then returned the empty boxes after stuffing them with dried pasta.
Investigators connected this bizarre activity to an estimated 70 thefts across the country, resulting in reported losses totaling approximately $34,000. Detectives used surveillance footage to identify the individual, leading to his arrest on grand theft charges.
The case details, shared by the Irvine Police Department, included video evidence purportedly showing the suspect removing items from the store shelves. The police department commented on the scheme with a humorous warning, suggesting that such elaborate plans were unlikely to succeed.
Ultimately, the case highlights the lengths to which an individual allegedly went to commit theft, substituting expensive collectibles for mundane dried pasta in a scheme spanning multiple locations.
Source: www.foxnews.com