The craze for Labubu plushies sparks desperate and illegal acts among fans.
Labubu, a character by Pop Mart, has gained global fame, especially after K-pop star Lisa of Blackpink showcased it in April. Designed by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung in 2015, the Nordic-inspired figure is part of The Monsters series. The toy’s charm captivated fans after celebrities began flaunting it, causing demand to soar.
With the plushie keychain priced at $24.90 but resold for up to $65, collectors are willing to pay steep premiums. However, some enthusiasts in Singapore have turned to illegal methods to obtain one.
Sticky Fingers
On October 16, CCTV captured a girl allegedly stealing a first-generation Labubu Macaron plushie from a claw machine store, Clawpitiam, in Plaza Singapura. The plushie, originally priced at $20, was valued at $50 on resale platforms. The store owner urged her to return the doll, emphasizing her youth and potential to reform.
Family Bonding
A similar incident occurred on October 27, when three Labubu dolls totaling $100.70 were stolen from Dr Clawtopus in Sim Lim Square. CCTV footage shows a man, believed to be accompanied by his children, unlocking a claw machine and taking the dolls. The missing items included a Halloween Labubu ($37.90), Pronounce Labubu ($37.90), and Have a Seat Labubu ($24.90). The store owner filed a police report after posting about the incident online.
A Three-Man Heist
On November 18, five Labubu dolls worth $300 were stolen from a claw machine outside Little Pets Kingdom in Yishun. CCTV footage revealed three boys trying to tip the machine after failing to win the dolls. They eventually succeeded by tilting the machine and reaching into the prize chute.
As Labubu-mania shows no signs of slowing, these incidents underline how far fans will go to own a piece of the viral phenomenon.
