hellpop Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 I go into Toys R Us a lot. There's one right by my daughter's school, so I can basically go there five times a week if I want (ten if I want to stop when I drop her off in the morning). There's also another one about half an hour in the other direction, so occasionally I take a spin out that way, particularly when I know there's new Minimates out. As it happens, I've been to both over the last week or two, and each time I've seen something I haven't seen before: stolen Minimates! Last week, at the store I infrequently visit, I found an open package of XM:FC 'mates. Later that week, at my more regular stop, I found several open packages of MAX Heroes and Universal Monsters, and then today, sure enough, another open Monster 'mates pack. What in the name of Zack Oat is going on here? On the one hand, there's a positive side to this: if Minimates are being stolen, they must be in some demand. It's like, if you're a celebrity, you know you've really arrived the first time you're on TMZ. On the other... someone's stealing Minimates! In my area. I might've bought those! Heck, considering how often I'm in that damn TRU, they probably think it's me.... So, anyone else seeing any empty packages, or is this a local phenomenon? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jatta Pake Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 I see it frequently now too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
storm 1:08 Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 Sadly, I've seen it off and on over the years but only on the Marvel boxes. Never saw it on the blister card packs like the MAX stuff, though. It sucks, but I thankfully haven't seen any stolen figures in a while. Whenever I see it happen, I just go to customer service and hand it over to them. I'd rather not leave it there in the aisles and give other people the idea that they are easy to steal. Heck, I got a perfectly good empty Bullseye/Moonstone box out of it. I don't know what to do with it (anybody want it?), but they let me have it . Which is kind of sad because it kind of seems that they don't have a log for stolen stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarkRedShadow Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 Well since I live in Canada I have to order off of lukes for my mate needs,but recently I went to Orlando and I seen a drake gone form the playstation series,which was weird because the guys literally ripped it off the card and took and the drake,I also seen a fireman max set open back in December in buffalo,which is a shame b/c that was the only pack they had led and I wanted it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karamazov80 Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 There's a special section of hell reserved for people who steal Minimates out of the package. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mirymate Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 It's just below people who deface packaging, but about two levels above folks who buy toys, stuff other toys into the package, then return them for cash, to sit on the pegs unsellable forever. (which is a much bigger problem here locally than outright theft) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TM2 Dinobot Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 I believe the problem here may not lie entirely at the feet of the thieves. With the new "bubble" packaging, I've noted that they come open a lot easier, the glue being weaker. And since the card is what holds it to the peg... It's one thing to open something and steal it, it's actually still the same thing to take it if the package is already open. However, it is understandably more tempting. I think I started a thread like this waaaaay back when. Anyone remember that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karamazov80 Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 It's just below people who deface packaging, but about two levels above folks who buy toys, stuff other toys into the package, then return them for cash, to sit on the pegs unsellable forever. (which is a much bigger problem here locally than outright theft) Folks used to do that crap all the time with the 25th Anniversary Joes (back when I collected them). What a bunch of scum bags. I believe the problem here may not lie entirely at the feet of the thieves. With the new "bubble" packaging, I've noted that they come open a lot easier, the glue being weaker. And since the card is what holds it to the peg... It's one thing to open something and steal it, it's actually still the same thing to take it if the package is already open. However, it is understandably more tempting. I think I started a thread like this waaaaay back when. Anyone remember that? ^^ Obviously a Minimate thief, justifying his behavior to the world Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcastick Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 There's a special section of hell reserved for people who steal Minimates out of the package. The New 8th Circle of Hell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
groundhog7s Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 (edited) I just want to say 'thanks' for having this thread. Until now, I never realized how easy it would be to steal Minimates and always thought TRU security was better than what it must be for so many people to get by with this. Looks like I'll never have to buy a TRU exclusive again, so thanks for starting the thread and giving the good tips! Edited September 27, 2011 by groundhog7s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luke314pi Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 I spotted this at my TRU back in 2009, and despite the obvious and nefarious thievery, it cracked me up: It looks like someone bought this, kept the Arnie head, put the T-1000 head on him, and returned it. You can even see where the box had been opened on the right side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lurch77 Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 Sadly I've seen a few missing at my local TRU. I'm going to guess kids are doing it since the last two I have seen missing were Danger Room Wolverine (Omega Red was still in there , whomever was clearly not picking good figures) and Neo-Classic Iron Man (Stilt Man still in package ). So far the blister packs have remained untouched and have to say it's nowhere near as bad as back with the C3 sets; trying to find an untouched Batcave or Batwing set was a pain Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ninja Mate Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 I believe the problem here may not lie entirely at the feet of the thieves. With the new "bubble" packaging, I've noted that they come open a lot easier, the glue being weaker. And since the card is what holds it to the peg... This ^ There were 4 packs of the new Max Mates sitting on the shelf below the peg, all with the bubbles removed and ALL minimates and acecssories intact. Even the ones that I bought, the bubble fell off on some of them on the way home from TRU. I even informed an employee at chekcout that they may want to go get them and tape them up or do something with them. I went back to TRU 2 days later and they were all still sitting there, 100% complete. no thievery. Its just MAX figures and lack of glue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
groundhog7s Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 I went back to TRU 2 days later and they were all still sitting there, 100% complete. no thievery. So, are they still there? And that was the Greenwood store, correct? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
storm 1:08 Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 So, are they still there? And that was the Greenwood store, correct? Don't do it! You'll be subjected to bad toy karma for the rest of your collecting life! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
groundhog7s Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 Well, I just figure I've built up enough good figure karma in the bank that I can afford to spend a little. If anything, I could spend the karma interest I've earned for a while without even noticing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
storm 1:08 Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 Hmm. Not sure how toy karma works, but you using your 5-finger discount and sending it to me as a gift doesn't affect my karma, right? I mean, you have lots of karma to spare and it's a gift. I don't know the details of you obtaining the MAX sets. :tongue: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ninja Mate Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 I went back to TRU 2 days later and they were all still sitting there, 100% complete. no thievery. So, are they still there? And that was the Greenwood store, correct? yes, Greenwood store. As of yesterday they are now gone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
groundhog7s Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 Stealing and giving it to someone else is still good karma. That's what watching Robin Hood as a kid taught me. And it get's you a hot chick and a fat, bald sidekick also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karamazov80 Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 Also, do the right thing and you will end up a sad bastard. That's what Woody Allen's movies taught me. Kill your mistress or be a general a-hole and you'll end up healthy and happy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
storm 1:08 Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 I guess I'm going to end up a sad bass turd then. Thanks for the life lessons, though. And I have seen instances of the loose bubble on the MAX sets too. But someone stapled them back onto the packaging. Wasn't sure if it was done at the factory or at TRU (I'm guessing TRU). I took pictures and planned to send them to DST customer service so they know there is some issue. Just lazy in doing it and kinda hoping someone at DST is reading this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
youbastards Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 I've been noticing a lot of eBay auctions lately for "brand new" packs of MAX Minimates that just happen to be either loose or in the plastic tray. Here are some examples. I see this thread and these auctions and can't help but put 2 and 2 together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homestar17 Posted September 27, 2011 Share Posted September 27, 2011 (edited) I've been noticing a lot of eBay auctions lately for "brand new" packs of MAX Minimates that just happen to be either loose or in the plastic tray. Here are some examples. I see this thread and these auctions and can't help but put 2 and 2 together. I couldn't help but notice that the seller was from NJ. Makes me think that the governor should set his sights a 'lil higher than "Jersey Shore" & get his priorities straight. Curbing minimate theft is waaaay more important. :tongue: Edited September 27, 2011 by homestar17 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr baghead Posted September 28, 2011 Share Posted September 28, 2011 I saw TWO Phantomex’s missing their coats today... they’ve probably been like that for awhile (I’ve seen the two sitting in the minimate aisle, while the rest of wave 11 is in the Back-to-School section with all the other Marvel toys) but I just noticed today... I bet the customs you needed those coats for are gonna look like crap, Mr.theif, I bet you use testors high gloss paint and take grainy dark photos and then get mad when no one wants to buy them for $80 on eBay because you’re probably the type of person who makes customs then instantly dumps them on eBay despite the fact you have no skills. Shame on you TWICE, Mr.Thief! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mirymate Posted September 28, 2011 Share Posted September 28, 2011 Saw something very braisen, but not mate related at a local Wal-Mart. It's a smaller WM, aisles crowded very close together. So I'm browsing the combination Imaginext, Lego aisle (told you, small WM) looking for a Batboat for my son's upcoming birthbay, and I notice someone has used a boxcutter to cut open most of the Lego Star Wars boxes. You could see Lego bags still in the boxes, so I can only guess that someone was getting the figures out. Fairly ballsy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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