In a crime that has left both police and the collecting community baffled, a Melbourne specialty store has been targeted by thieves with a very specific taste in loot. The TTY store in Box Hill was broken into overnight, with burglars making off with an entire collection of rare Labubu dolls while ignoring other valuable items.
The Targeted Theft
The break-in occurred between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, with perpetrators forcing their way into the premises. Store manager Leo Lui expressed his shock at the selective nature of the crime. "They only took the Labubu dolls - nothing else," Mr Lui revealed. "We have many other valuable collectibles, but they specifically targeted these particular items."
What Are Labubu Dolls?
For the uninitiated, Labubu is a popular character created by Hong Kong-based designer Kasing Lung. The mischievous, fanged creature has become a cult favourite among toy collectors worldwide. The stolen collection included highly sought-after variants, with some individual pieces valued at up to £800 each.
The Collector Community Reacts
The theft has sent shockwaves through Australia's tight-knit collectibles community. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of support and outrage, with many collectors keeping an eye out for the distinctive pieces appearing on secondary markets.
Victoria Police have confirmed they are investigating the burglary and are appealing for any witnesses or individuals with information to come forward. The specific nature of the stolen goods makes them particularly identifiable within collector circles.
Store management remains hopeful that the unique nature of the stolen dolls will make them difficult to sell on, potentially leading to their recovery. Meanwhile, security has been heightened at the premises to prevent any repeat incidents.
