With the Labubu dolls craze taking the Internet by storm, it’s of little wonder that some would go to great (and illegal) lengths to land their hands on one.
A group of boys in Singapore were recently caught stealing several Labubu dolls from a claw machine in broad daylight, leading to financial losses for the storeowner.
Boys tilt Labubu claw machine to get dolls
Speaking to MS News, storeowner Derrick He said he had bought and placed the claw machine outside his store 10 months ago. Over the months, the claw machine proved to be a massive money maker as it doubled sales.
On Nov 18, CCTV footage showed three boys appearing outside the store at 6.30am and trying out their luck with the Labubu claw machine but ended up empty-handed.
Half an hour later, two of the boys attempted to tip the claw machine over, with one of them pushing it from one side and the other gripping onto it as it tilted over him.
When they realised that they weren’t able to tilt the claw machine enough, they got their friend to lend a hand, who turned up in a Personal Mobility Aid (PMA).
After a brief discussion, the boys had another go in tilting the claw machine and managed to tilt it to nearly 90 degrees so that the Labubu dolls would fall towards the dispensing hole.
They then placed the claw machine back to its former upright position and one of the boys stuck his hand into the dispensing hole.
Seemingly unsatisfied with their previous attempt, the boys proceeded to tilt the claw machine once more, this time in a different direction.
It later turned out that their efforts proved to be successful as one of the boys is seen sauntering away with an armful of Labubu dolls.
Police report lodged
Derrick told MS News that he only came to know of the theft upon arriving at the store at 9.30am and immediately called the police.
He added that up to five Labubu dolls and multiple toys were stolen, which amounted to S$300 (approx. RM1,000).
“This is the first time something like this has happened and I’ve never seen the boys before,” he said.
When contacted, police confirmed a report was lodged and that investigations are now underway.
Recently, a woman was slapped with a RM16,000 fine for failing to declare Labubu dolls she bought to Singapore Customs:
