PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Following a three-month investigation, two men were arrested at a Eugene toy shop earlier in July after authorities learned thousands of Lego sets on display were stolen, Springfield Police Department announced.
Around 12:30 p.m. July 3, officers served a search warrant at Brick Builders on Willamette Street after investigators discovered the store's owner knowingly bought new, unopened Lego sets that were stolen from other local stores, according to SPD.
Police found the stolen Legos on store displays, recovering 4,153 sets valued over $200,000. SPD told KOIN 6 News officers had to use a U-Haul truck to recover the sets.
Authorities then arrested Brick Builders Owner Ammon Henrikson, 47, and 57-year-old Albert Nash.
In several instances, suspects stole hundreds of dollars' worth of Lego sets then immediately exchanged them for cash at Brick Builders, often exchanging them for a fraction of their retail value, police said.
In interviews, some suspects claimed Brick Builders' staff knew the sets were recently stolen and officers learned many of the suspects used the money to then buy illegal drugs, according to SPD.
Springfield police worked with loss prevention investigators from Target, Fred Meyer, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart to confirm the Lego sets were stolen from the retailers.
“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 Chief Andrew Shearer.
Henrikson and Nash face organized retail theft and theft by receiving charges.
Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact Springfield Police Department.
