Winston Love arrested for allegedly stealing $37K in goods, mostly Lego products

Police arrested a man Friday suspected of stealing from nearly two dozen Target stores across Texas — primarily of Lego merchandise.

Watauga police said Sunday that 28-year-old Winston Love stole from 23 Target stores over the past two months in 14 cities, mostly around the Dallas area, with the thefts totaling more than $37,000.

Love, who was later found with eight outstanding warrants and illegal drugs, is also suspected of being part of a larger theft ring stretching across Texas and Oklahoma, primarily targeting Lego products worth tens of thousands of dollars, officials said.

“Mr. Love is also believed to be part of an organized retail theft ring operating in Texas and Oklahoma, many involving Lego merchandise,” the Watauga Police Department said in a statement, adding that he targeted Dallas, Watauga, Irving, Plano, Fort Worth, Flower Mound, Louisville, Frisco, Grapevine, Euless, Arlington, Mansfield, Temple and Harker Heights.

The “brazen” Louvre thieves carried out a targeted robbery, and the jewels could be melted down: expert

Authorities called Love’s actions “incredibly rude,” noting that he was simply walking out of stores with Lego merchandise, according to FOX 4.

“It’s incredibly brazen. When you watch the video of the person committing these crimes, he’s actually going shopping in the store, identifying merchandise that he wants, and this person is specifically targeting Lego products. He’s either carrying them in a cart or just carrying them under his arms and literally walking right out the door, almost defying anyone, in complete defiance of anyone who might try to stop him,” Watauga Police Chief Jim Lewis said.

“These products are easy to sell online at around the retail price, so the risk versus reward is worth it,” Lewis added.

Financier Alex Murdough pays the price after admitting his role in a multi-million dollar crime scheme

Harry Potter-themed Lego sets are displayed on a shelf at a Target store in San Rafael, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Love was arrested last Friday after a store robbery in Watauga.

Police responded to reports of a robbery at a Target store where Love allegedly exited with $1,200 worth of merchandise and fled the scene before officers arrived, officials said.

Officers found the suspect shortly after the robbery and, after a brief standoff, convinced him to surrender peacefully. He was taken into custody without incident.

Millions in Bitcoin Seized by Department of Justice in ‘Pig Slaughter’ Scam

An employee pulls shopping carts into a Target store. (iStock/iStock)

The next day, Watauga police executed a search warrant at the same home, where more stolen property and illegal drugs were found. Officers also confiscated one vehicle and approximately $5,000 in cash.

Love was found to have several outstanding felony warrants for theft-related offenses from multiple jurisdictions, including Tarrant, Dallas and Rockwall counties, police said.

He was charged with felony state prison robbery and transported to the North Richland Hills Detention Center.

“This case highlights the excellent work and cooperation between our officers and regional law enforcement partners,” Lewis said in a statement.

Click here to download the FOX NEWS app

“Their quick action and thorough investigation not only led to the arrest of a serial criminal but also 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 to ensure our city remains a safe place to live, work and play.”

Target did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.