Theft of Lego on the increase as Christmas approaches
Last updated 1st Nov 2023
A rise in the theft of Lego from shops across Northern Ireland in the run-up to Christmas has been reported.
The PSNI believes Lego sets are being stolen to sell online, because of the high value of some.
In one of the latest incidents a man tried to walk out of a shop in the Bradford Court area of Belfast last Wednesday with three boxes of Lego without paying.
A police spokesman said they received a report shortly before 3.30pm that a man described as being in his late 30s, with facial hair and wearing a green jumper and baseball cap, had entered a retail store and lifted three boxes of Lego, attempting to leave without making payment.
"Staff inside became aware of the man's attempt to walk out and were able to stop him and recover the items, before he made off on foot in the direction of the carriageway nearby," he said.
"I am encouraging businesses to be on their guard in the run up to Christmas, following increased reports of Lego being stolen from retail stores.
"Investing in these pieces may not necessarily be new, but with Lego being targeted by thieves it is evident that demand within the game market has increased, and it's very likely that these items are being stolen to be sold online, due to the huge resale value of some of the sets.
"Shop theft is a very serious crime and can really impact the businesses involved, so I would ask the public to raise any suspicious activity they become aware of to staff members, or contact police with a description of the offender(s) involved."
He added: "If you have any information regarding the above, please contact police on 101 and quote 1071 25/10/23."
Read more:
Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band announce HUGE 2024 Belfast show
One person taken to hospital after crash involving bus at Belfast City Hall