The Springfield Police Department has accused a toy store owner of purchasing stolen LEGO sets from his competitors as part of a $200,000 theft scheme.
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A three-month investigation revealed that Ammon Henrikson,47, the owner of Brick Builders toy store in Eugene, had knowingly purchased new, unopened LEGO sets stolen from local retail stores. During the raid, authorities recovered $200,000 worth of stolen LEGO sets. According to TMZ, more than 4,000 LEGO sets were found in the store. Investigators also said the stolen LEGO sets were sold to Brick Builders for a fraction of their retail value. The thieves allegedly used the money to buy illegal drugs for personal use.
Officers also partnered with loss prevention investigators from major retailers, including Target, Walmart, and Barnes & Noble, to confirm the extent of the thefts. Henrikson and another individual, Albert Nash,57, were arrested and charged with organized retail theft and first-degree theft by receiving.
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The outlet also reported that the incident is a small part of an emerging black market trend for stolen LEGOs.
‘We all feel the impact of organized retail theft through the increasing cost of items we buy for our families. Recognizing this, SPD’s Crime Reduction Unit, with the support of our retail partners, works diligently to hold accountable those who make the choice to engage in or support retail theft. SPD is proud of the work of our officers, and we are committed to the pursuit of those behind these crimes in our community,” said SPD Chief Andrew Shearer.
