Labubu, the irresistibly cute character designed by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung, has taken the globe by storm since its debut in 2015. Originally part of the whimsical series titled "The Monsters," Labubu's charm skyrocketed to prominence when K-pop sensation Lisa from Blackpink showcased a cute Labubu charm on her bag back in April. This endorsement sent fans into a frenzy, leading to a buying frenzy for these plush companions.

With its roots tied to enchanting Nordic folklore, the Labubu character quickly became a must-have accessory. Originally priced at $24.90 on the Pop Mart website, the blind boxes containing Labubu have become sold out, with resellers cashing in on its popularity, listing them for up to $65!

However, this soaring demand has a darker side. In Singapore, some individuals have taken their desire for Labubu to alarming extremes—resorting to theft. Shocking incidents have unfolded across the city, catapulting Labubu from a harmless collectible to a crime magnet!

Sticky Fingers Strike!

On October 16, a girl was allegedly caught on CCTV swiftly snatching a first-generation Labubu Macaron doll from a claw machine store named Clawpitiam at Plaza Singapura. Footage shared on social media showed her taking the doll and leaving without paying, dragging the owner into a moral dilemma. The owner, who hoped she'd return the doll—worth around $50 on the resale market—expressed sympathy for what he perceived as a youthful mistake.

“This girl deserves a chance to turn over a new leaf,” he stated, underscoring the hope for her to make amends. The video was later deleted, leaving questions about whether she returned the precious plushie.

Family Heist Unveiled!

The antics didn’t stop there! On October 27, an even more daring theft occurred at Dr Clawtopus, a store in Sim Lim Square, where three Labubu dolls valued at over $100 were stolen by a man accompanied by two children. CCTV footage captured the man skillfully manipulating a claw machine while his children watched. Following his successful efforts, they made off with Halloween, Pronounce, and Have a Seat Labubus, raising eyebrows about parental influence in such questionable actions.

The store's appeal for the return of the stolen dolls via Instagram resulted in a swift deletion of the post, as a police report was filed.

A Three-Man Heist of Cuteness!

The crime wave continued on November 18 when a trio of boys executed a jaw-dropping plan to snatch five Labubu dolls valued at around $300 from a claw machine outside a pet store. Surveillance footage revealed the boys attempting to tilt and manipulate the machine in pursuit of their prize. Their brazen behavior captured on camera showcased escalating tactics in a heist that involved physically tilting the machine and reaching inside for the cute treasures.

As the police delve deeper into this series of thefts, one wonders: when will the Labubu craze calm down, and how far will collectors go for a taste of its cuteness? This shocking trend raises questions about the blind spots in today's culture of consumerism—where obsession can quickly spiral out of control.

As the saga unfolds, it seems that the dark side of this adorable plush phenomenon is just beginning to surface. What will the future hold for Labubu as it straddles the line between charming accessory and an object of desire leading to crime? Stay tuned as we uncover more!