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2 suspects arrested in Southern California in massive LEGO theft

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Two suspects were arrested in connection with an organized shoplifting worth several thousand dollars.

The suspects were identified as Richard Siegel, 71, of Long Beach, and Blanca Gudino, 39, of Lawndale, according to Los Angeles police.


In December 2023, investigators became aware of a series of thefts at a Target store in the 1700 block of North Gaffey Street in San Pedro.

Loss prevention officials identified Gudino as the suspect involved.

On June 4, police witnessed Gudino allegedly stealing LEGO products from Target stores in Torrance and Lakewood. She then delivered the goods to Siegel’s home in Long Beach.

The next day, a search warrant was issued for the Long Beach home, where officers discovered over 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGO toy sets.

Over 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGO playsets were discovered in a Long Beach home during a raid on a major theft ring. (Los Angeles Police Department)
Over 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGO playsets were discovered in a Long Beach home during a raid on a major theft ring. (Los Angeles Police Department)
Over 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGO playsets were discovered in a Long Beach home during a raid on a major theft ring. (Los Angeles Police Department)
Over 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGO playsets were discovered in a Long Beach home during a raid on a major theft ring. (Los Angeles Police Department)
Over 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGO playsets were discovered in a Long Beach home during a raid on a major theft ring. (Los Angeles Police Department)
Over 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGO playsets were discovered in a Long Beach home during a raid on a major theft ring. (Los Angeles Police Department)
Over 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGO playsets were discovered in a Long Beach home during a raid on a major theft ring. (Los Angeles Police Department)
Over 2,800 boxes of stolen LEGO playsets were discovered in a Long Beach home during a raid on a major theft ring. (Los Angeles Police Department)

Photos of the giant bust show countless rows of LEGO boxes stored on shelves, filling the living room like a warehouse.

Most of the stolen toys were collector’s items or more expensive sets. The retail value of each item ranged from $20 to over $1,000, police said.

The stolen sets included collectibles from Star Wars, Ninjago, Harry Potter, Technic, LEGO Architecture, Marvel, Minecraft, special pop culture editions and more.

One of the stolen items even appeared to be a demo set in a plexiglass box, like those normally displayed in stores.

While investigating Siegel’s apartment, police witnessed potential buyers of toys coming to the house, lured by advertisements that Siegel had placed on the Internet.

Siegel was charged with organized shoplifting and Gudino was arrested for grand larceny.
The incidents remain under investigation.

This raid follows similar thefts at Bricks & Minifigs stores throughout Southern California.

In these incidents, thieves broke into several stores and stole approximately $100,000 worth of LEGO toys.

Anyone with information about the case can call Harbor Area Detectives at 310-726-7900. The public can also call LAPD at 1-877-527-3247.

Anonymous tips can be made to LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters can also contact Crime Stoppers by texting 274637. All texts should begin with the letters “LAPD.”

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