Teen arrested after store reports theft of $20K worth of Lego sets, minifigures
Editor’s note: The story has been updated to reflect the updated number of minifigs that were allegedly stolen.
DENVER (KDVR) — Any Lego collector knows the bricks can be expensive, but how about $20,000 for 14 sets and 1,180 minifigures?
That’s how much law enforcement says was stolen from the Bricks & Minifigs Lego shop in the 8900 block of West Bowles Avenue. The sheriff’s office shared a photo of the suspect, wearing dark clothing and a face covering during the May 12 theft that happened around 4:30 a.m.
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That suspect has also been arrested. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said the 17-year-old from Denver will not be identified because of their age but said the suspect was booked into the Jefferson County Detention Center on suspicion of second-degree burglary, felony criminal mischief and felony theft. The suspect has since been released into an adult’s custody.
The business owner celebrated the suspect’s arrest in a social media post on Wednesday.
“Thank you Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and all our loyal customers and followers!” the store posted. “Tips from several customers helped bring quick justice to this unfortunate situation!”
The agency said the individual first shook the front doors of the store, activating the alarm and causing the suspect to flee the area. After about an hour, deputies say the individual returned and tied a strap onto the door of the business that was connected to his car’s bumper. He used his vehicle to pull the doors open, deputies reported, and caused “severe damage” to the storefront.
Legos kits that were allegedly taken from a Jefferson County store on May 12. Legos and minifigures that were allegedly taken from a Jefferson County store on May 12. A suspect was caught on surveillance footage stealing Lego kits and bricks from a Jefferson County store.
Once inside, the thief took 14 Lego sets and 1,180 minifigures that cost about $20,000 in total, the agency reported. According to the store’s social media posts, the suspect took “expensive Star Wars sets and Star Wars minifigures, and some Marvel and DC.” The sets were reported to be new, in-box and some rare minifigures, including Cloud City Lando 2nd edition and Cloud City Leia with smooth hair.
After the store owner posted to social media, a customer was able to connect some dots, helping lead the case toward an arrest. The customer reported seeing the exact same stolen items for sale online.
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Jefferson County Sheriff’s investigators contacted the person who listed the items for sale and made arrangements to buy the Legos back. This allowed investigators to confirm that the items sold were connected to the Bricks & Minifigs burglary.
Investigators executed a search warrant at the suspect’s home in Denver and found “nearly all” of the Lego sets and minifigures, along with shoes, clothing and jewelry that connected the suspect to the burglary. The search warrant led to the juvenile’s arrest.
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