By Dean Murray via SWNS
These cops were not playing when they seized $200,000 of stolen Lego sets.
Springfield Police Department (SPD) in Oregon say they served a search warrant at the ‘Brick Builders’ in Eugene on July 3.
It is alleged the store’s owner was buying stolen sets at a fraction of their value.
During the execution of the search warrant, SPD staff recovered 4,153 boxes of the brick-based toys.
Police say they partnered with loss prevention investigators from stores Target, Fred Meyer, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart to confirm that the owner “was purchasing sets that were stolen from the aforementioned retailers.”
SPD said in a statement: “The three-month investigation uncovered evidence that the store’s owner, Ammon Henrikson, was knowingly purchasing new, unopened sets of Legos that had been stolen from local retail stores.
“In several instances, suspects stole hundreds of dollars’ worth of Legos and then immediately went to the Brick Builders store to exchange the stolen items for cash: most often at a fraction of their actual retail value.
“When interviewed, some suspects advised that Brick Builders’ staff knew the sets had recently been stolen. Officers learned that many of the suspects were utilizing the money they received to buy and use illegal drugs.”
Springfield Police Department’s Chief Andrew Shearer said: “We all feel the impact of organized retail theft through the increasing cost of items we buy for our families.
“Recognising 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.”
