Police in South Australia have seized approximately 2,500 stolen items, including 1,700 unopened Lego boxes, in a major retail theft operation that filled three truckloads.

A 41-year-old man has been charged with theft and unlawful possession related to the haul and is scheduled to appear in Port Adelaide Magistrates Court later this month.

The stolen goods, valued at around A$250,000, were recovered from a residence in Royal Park, Adelaide, and are believed to be intended for online resale.

Authorities warn consumers against buying cheap goods online, as such purchases can inadvertently support theft and facilitate crime, with online buyers playing a role in the illegal trade.

Acting Assistant Commissioner John De Candia emphasized the importance of online buyers in preventing thefts and highlighted that the large bust underscores the impact of retail crime.

Operation Measure, a police initiative targeting repeat offenders and violent shoplifters, has resulted in nearly 2,500 arrests or reports and contributed to a consistent decline in shoplifting in South Australia.

Since its launch, Operation Measure has led to a significant decrease in retail thefts, including an 8-month streak of reduced shoplifting, with a 6% drop reported in June.

Police stress that online consumers can help prevent such crimes and note that the operation's success is partly due to collaboration with retailers.

The stolen items include toys from brands like Pokémon, Barbie, Hello Kitty, and Thomas the Tank Engine, which are believed to be destined for online sale.

The seized goods, including soft toys, water guns, and toy trucks, were believed to be intended for resale on online platforms, with the haul requiring three truckloads to remove.

Recent similar cases include a Los Angeles toy store burglary that stole around $30,000 worth of Labubu dolls and a March incident in Washington where a man was arrested for stealing $10,000 worth of Lego.

There have also been reports of scammers exploiting the Labubu brand by creating fake Telegram bots offering toys as prizes.