20-Year-Old Stole $500 Worth Of Legos From Target, Washington Twp. Cops Say

HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — A man was recently arrested for stealing more than $500 worth of Lego building blocks from the Target on Highway 46.

Washington Township police said that for the last few months, a suspect had been intentionally failing to scan multiple Lego sets at Target’s self-checkout, totaling $514.95.

An investigation found that a 20-year-old man, from Independence Township, Warren County, had been the shoplifting suspect, according to officials.

The man, whose identity was not released, was charged with third-degree theft/shoplifting. He was released on a complaint-summons with a mandatory appearance in Morris County Superior Court.

Shoplifting, Among Other Issues, Takes Toll On Target

In June of this year, Washington Township police arrested three individuals for shoplifting from the same Target, who were accused of stealing more than $1,300 in products.

Over the last few years, Targets across the country have closed their doors, with representatives citing retail theft as one of the main causes. The slump in sales and loss of profit recently prompted CEO Brian Cornell to step down from his position.

“We cannot continue operating these stores because theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests, and contributing to unsustainable business performance,” a 2023 Target statement read. “We know that our stores serve an important role in their communities, but we can only be successful if the working and shopping environment is safe for all.”