Thanks to the thebrickfan for sharing the article on Facebook.

http://www.abc15.com/news/region-phoenix-metro/north-phoenix/police-4-arrested-in-organized-retail-theft-of-legos-40000-in-toys-stolen-from-phoenix-toys-r-us

Police: 4 arrested in organized retail theft of legos; $40,000 in toys stolen from Phoenix Toys R Us

PHOENIX - Phoenix police have recovered an estimated $200,000 in Lego products, and arrested four people, during a months-long retail theft investigation.

In the 4 1/2-month investigation, police discovered that Garry Fairbee and Tarah Dailey, both 35, stole multiple Lego play sets from many Phoenix area "Toys R Us" stores, according to Officer James Holmes, spokesman for the Phoenix Police Department.

Each of the play sets taken were valued at $100 or more, according to police.

Faribee, Dailey and another 34-year-old woman would then sell these Lego sets to a 40-year-old man who would either sell them online or try to return the products at the store for a refund.

Holmes said police obtained search warrants for each of the suspects' homes and storage lockers and recovered 18 pallets, or three cargo truck loads, of Lego products.

Police estimate the toy stockpile to be worth $200,000, which at least $40,000 is believed to have been stolen.

The four individuals were arrested and booked into jail on Thursday, Aug. 14, on multiple charges, including organized retail theft, trafficking in stolen property, fraudulent schemes and illegal control of an enterprise.

alright folks, need a head count.... 

Only a fifth of it was stolen? Must of been resellers who got really greedy.

Only a fifth of it was stolen? Must of been resellers who got really greedy.

Yeah, I also didn't understand that.

Only a fifth of it was stolen? Must of been resellers who got really greedy.

Probably the only part of the stash that the police could document as stolen.

Dang that's a lotta Lego!

And we all know that $40k of LEGO at TRU has an actual retail value of $25k.

And we all know that $40k of LEGO at TRU has an actual retail value of $25k.

True...

After reading this Lego heist article and watching the news clip, I can't get 1 song and 1 video out of my head.

Gonna have to keep my eye on this one. I used to buy from police auctions years ago. looks like i need to get in touch with some ppl. 

True...

You mean TRU...

Think Lego Hulk and the Exo Suit team were accomplices?

Based on the sets shown in the pictures, they have been doing this for at least 2 years.  I know some of the sets were EOL'd more than 2 years ago, BUT older sets tend to stay a while at TRU

 

 

Only a fifth of it was stolen? Must of been resellers who got really greedy.

 

Most likely the value of newer sets that can be traced back to TRU inventory. The older sets (like those Dino HQ) were most likely no longer in TRU's system, so they would not be able to confirm if those were stolen from TRU

Isn't Iketart from AZ?  Perhaps he knows these two...

Isn't Iketart from AZ?  Perhaps he knows these two...

Now that you mentioned it, Iketart has not been around for quite some time... dun dun dun....

its mentioned that "Each of the play sets taken were valued at $100 or more, according to police."

 

i don't understand on how people can steal or walk out with those big sets? they have to go through the cashier line right? and those big sets always have the security key/wrap around it no? 

 

also what does not makes sense is they try to return back? so TRU takes back return without receipt? how can one return without the proof of purchase?

that video is so old i was probably in her grade when it was posted

I once stole a 1X1 white stud to make a Pokeball... :shifty:

I would guess the move would be to stick 1 or 2 more sets in your cart than you tell the cashier, then return the extras a couple days later using the receipt for the couple that you paid for.

Most big sets near me have that spider security device so I guess they only bought sets that didn't have those.

http://longisland.news12.com/news/police-gloria-haas-of-island-park-accused-of-stealing-59-000-worth-of-legos-1.9076333

Wow...That's like the 3rd one this month.

Said she removed 800 sets from a storage locker? So who on here hasn't checked their stash in a while?

Should probably be careful when buying lego off ebay at prices where the seller couldn't possibly be making a profit. It is probably mostly stolen merchandise. The more that get busted means less people undercutting out price so I say go get them!

Just got back from my local walmart and they now have signs in the lego isle that there are video cameras to decrease theft and keep prices low.

I should have taken a pic