Suspect steals from nearly two dozen Target stores — supposedly just for Legos

Winston Love, a 28-year-old man, has been accused of a string of thefts from 23 Target stores across 14 cities in Texas, primarily around the Dallas area. The thefts totaled more than $37,000 and targeted Lego products. Love is believed to be part of an organized retail theft ring operating in Texas and Oklahoma, focusing on stealing Lego merchandise.

According to the Watauga Police Department, Love’s actions were described as “incredibly brazen” as he would simply walk out of stores with the stolen Lego products. Police Chief Jim Lewis mentioned that Love would go shopping in the stores, choose the merchandise he wanted, and then walk out without any hesitation. The stolen Lego products were easy to sell online at nearly retail value, making it a lucrative venture for the thieves.

Love was arrested following a shoplifting call at a Target store in Watauga where he had allegedly stolen $1,200 worth of merchandise. Despite fleeing the scene, Love was located shortly after the theft and surrendered peacefully after a brief standoff with the police. A search warrant executed at his residence led to the recovery of additional stolen property, illegal narcotics, one vehicle, and approximately $5,000 in cash.

Love had multiple outstanding felony warrants for theft-related offenses from various jurisdictions, including Tarrant, Dallas, and Rockwall Counties. He was charged with state jail felony theft and transported to the North Richland Hills Detention Center. Chief Lewis commended the collaboration between law enforcement agencies that led to Love’s arrest and the recovery of stolen property.

Retail thefts impact the community at large, and the Watauga Police Department remains committed to protecting both people and property to ensure a safe environment for residents. Target did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the incident.