US: Masked thieves steal $7,000 worth of Labubu dolls

Dozens of boxes of Labubu toys worth about $7,000 were stolen from a store in La Puente, California, on the 6th of August 2025, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The burglary happened around 1:29 a.m. at One Stop Sales, a shop known for selling Labubu dolls and accessories.

“We worked so hard to get to this point, [only] for them just to come in and like nothing take it all away,” said co-owner Joanna Avendano, speaking to local ABC station KABC-TV on Thursday.

The store has shared surveillance footage of the break-in on social media. The video shows at least four masked individuals forcing their way in, emptying shelves, and leaving with boxes of merchandise. Avendano also posted photos showing shattered glass at the entrance and items scattered inside.

Deputies told ABC News the suspects are still at large, though the stolen white Toyota Tacoma used in the incident has been recovered.

Labubus, first released in China in 2015, have grown in global demand, appearing with celebrities like Rihanna, Lizzo, and BLACKPINK’s Lisa, and have become part of a billion-dollar industry.

Pop Mart, the Chinese company behind Labubus, reported that revenue doubled in 2024 to $1.8 billion. While each doll sells for around $30, rare versions can fetch hundreds or even thousands on resale platforms.

Crowds often gather at stores and pop-ups to buy them, with videos on social media showing long queues.

Alex DePaoli, an associate teaching professor of marketing at Northeastern University’s School of Business, told ABC News the appeal comes partly from their limited availability and the “blind box” sales method.

“[It’s a] system essentially where you don’t know what’s in the box, you hope that what’s in the box is what you want,” DePaoli said on Good Morning America. “If you don’t get what you want, you’ve got to go buy another one. A lot of folks have sort of likened that sort-of system to almost gambling.”

The growing market has also led to the rise of counterfeit versions known as “Lafufus,” made with cheaper materials and altered features.

“They’re not just toys, they are accessories,” DePaoli said. “They are things that you can collect, not just to dress them up, not just be amused by, but also to complete an outfit.”

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