Suspect steals from nearly two dozen Target stores — supposedly just for Legos
Love suspected of being part of a larger theft ring spanning Texas and Oklahoma, primarily targeting tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of Lego products. Getty Images
WATAUGA, Texas — Police say a man accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of Lego sets from Target stores across North Texas has been arrested following a months-long theft spree.
According to the Watauga Police Department, 28-year-old Winston Love allegedly targeted 23 Target stores in 14 cities over the past two months, stealing more than $37,000 in merchandise — mostly Lego products. The thefts occurred in Dallas, Watauga, Irving, Plano, Fort Worth, Flower Mound, Lewisville, Frisco, Grapevine, Euless, Arlington, Mansfield, Temple, and Harker Heights.
Investigators said Love is believed to be part of a larger organized retail theft ring operating throughout Texas and Oklahoma, focusing primarily on high-value Lego products that can be easily resold online.
“Mr. Love is also believed to be part of an organized retail theft ring operating in Texas and Oklahoma, many involving Lego merchandise,” police said in a statement.
Watauga Police Chief Jim Lewis described the thefts as “incredibly brazen,” saying surveillance video showed Love casually loading shopping carts with Lego sets before walking out of stores without paying.
“It’s incredibly brazen. He truly goes shopping through the store, determines what he wants, and then walks right out the door, almost daring anyone to stop him,” Chief Lewis told FOX 4. “It’s easy to sell those products online at nearly their retail value, so the risk versus reward for them becomes worth it.”
Love was taken into custody Friday after officers responded to a shoplifting call at a Watauga Target, where he allegedly left the store with $1,200 in stolen items. He fled before police arrived but was found nearby. After a brief standoff, officers persuaded him to surrender peacefully.
A search of Love’s residence the following day uncovered additional stolen merchandise, illegal narcotics, one vehicle, and roughly $5,000 in cash. Authorities also discovered Love had eight outstanding warrants and multiple felony theft charges across Tarrant, Dallas, and Rockwall Counties.
He has been charged with state jail felony theft and was booked into the North Richland Hills Detention Center.
“This case highlights the excellent work and collaboration between our officers and regional law enforcement partners,” Chief Lewis said. “Their swift actions and thorough investigation not only led to the arrest of a serial offender but also to the recovery of stolen property. Retail thefts impact everyone in our community, and the Watauga Police Department remains committed to protecting both people and property.”
Target did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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