Mossos d'Esquadra in Barcelona have arrested a 47-year-old man, known as "the Lego thief", for allegedly stealing over 20 boxes of Lego building sets valued at nearly €2,000. Officers from the Sant Martí Investigation Unit detained the suspect on 16 April after he committed seven thefts from toy shops.
The man reportedly resold the stolen items through digital platforms and second-hand shops. He targeted customers interested in buying Lego constructions at lower prices. The suspect has a history of 16 prior arrests, according to El Periódico Barcelona.
Investigators gathered several complaints about similar incidents at toy shops. Five of these occurred in Barcelona, with one additional report from Rubí in Vallès Occidental. Mossos d'Esquadra noted the suspect repeatedly targeted one specific shop in the Sant Martí district four times.
Police Operation in Sant Martí
On 16 April, plainclothes officers from Sant Martí's investigation and public safety units conducted an operation at the targeted shop. They intercepted the suspect as he left the establishment with two more boxes of Lego. Police arrested him on the spot, catching him "red-handed" with the stolen goods.
The man appeared before a judge on 18 April. Mossos d'Esquadra from Sant Martí requested a restraining order against him regarding toy shops. This request aimed to prevent further offences.
Court Imposes Toy Shop Ban
The court granted the request, imposing a six-month ban. This order prevents the man from approaching within 500 metres of any toy shop. This measure aims to protect businesses from further thefts and disruption.
The repeated thefts affected local businesses in Barcelona, particularly in the Sant Martí district, home to over 240,000 residents. This area includes many commercial establishments, making them potential targets for such crimes. The police action demonstrates efforts to curb retail crime and protect local commerce.
The six-month restraining order will limit the suspect's access to toy retailers across the city. Authorities will monitor compliance with the court's decision to ensure the safety of local businesses.
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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.
