URGENT UPDATE: A Hesperia mother has issued a critical warning after her daughter was targeted in a theft involving a highly sought-after Starbucks Hello Kitty plush during a planned sale on OfferUp. The incident unfolded on December 7, 2023, around 5:40 p.m. in the Mesa area, raising alarms about safety in online transactions.
Cristina, the mother, revealed that her daughter had been communicating with the suspect, who appeared to be a legitimate buyer with a verified OfferUp account. The man, reportedly from Victorville and boasting a history of five-star reviews, arranged to pay via Zelle and requested to meet after work. When he arrived in a black Cadillac sedan, he lured the seller outside under the pretense of wanting to record a video of the collectible for his girlfriend.
“They trusted him for a moment, but then followed their gut instincts,” Cristina recounted. “That’s when he grabbed the plush through the window and sped off.” The suspect was described as a Hispanic male in his early 20s, with a smaller build, and notably, the vehicle had its rear license plate removed.
The theft coincided with the release of Starbucks’ 2025 holiday merchandise, which includes the popular Hello Kitty plush and the newly launched “Bearista” cups. These limited-edition items created a frenzy, resulting in long lines at stores across Southern California, with collectors waiting for hours to snag them. Reports indicate that these items sold out within hours, with resale prices soaring to between $100 and $600 online, making sellers attractive targets for criminals.
Authorities confirm that similar incidents have been reported by other OfferUp users in the High Desert area, suggesting a pattern of targeted thefts. Cristina expressed her concern, stating, “We just want to warn people before someone else gets scammed or hurt.”
In light of this incident, law enforcement officials are reiterating the importance of conducting online transactions in designated “safe exchange zones”, such as local sheriff’s stations or other well-lit public areas. These locations offer a secure setting for completing sales arranged via platforms like OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist.
“You never think something like this will happen in your own neighborhood,” Cristina added, emphasizing the emotional toll on her family.
Anyone with information regarding the theft is urged to contact the Hesperia Police Department at (760) 947-1500 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with online selling, prompting communities to stay vigilant.
Stay tuned for further developments on this urgent story as authorities continue their investigation.
