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Barbie doll collectors unite after theft

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Emily Waite
Emily Waitehttps://ncreview.com.au/
Emily Waite has been the Editor of the North Central Review since late April, 2024. With a particular focus on delivering community driven stories, Emily has been responsible for implementing the new 'Words of wisdom' segment, and regularly reaches out to residents both young and old to share their stories with the paper. Emily graduated with high distinctions in a Bachelor of Music from JMC Academy in 2022, and graduated with a Graduate Diploma in Writing and Literature from Deakin University in 2023.

Australian Barbie collectors are supporting the victim of a $15,000 theft in true Barbie style—by donating dolls to those in need.

Between Thursday, December 5 and Wednesday, December 11, unknown offenders forced entry into a Greater Shepparton home, where they stole the resident’s entire 12-year collection of dolls, among other items.

The collection comprised of 150 never removed from box (NRFB) dolls, spanning the 1970s to late 2020s, and included prized possessions such as the 2003 Happy Family Neighbourhood Grandma Barbie, several 1998 Harley-Davidson Collector’s Edition dolls and bike, and a 1997 Portrait in Blue Wal-Mart exclusive doll.

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The Tatura local had been collecting the dolls for her daughter.

Generous collectors were quick to offer replacements of those stolen to the victim, graciously offering to part ways with their own dolls.

However, the victim refused to accept the offers, selflessly encouraging dolls to instead be donated to children’s hospitals in the hope that they could ‘make a child smile’.

“I am generally overwhelmed and humbled by your generosity, but if anyone is wanting to donate them I’d love if they were donated to a children’s hospital,” she shared online.

“Who knows, maybe [the donations will] create a new generation of collectors.”

The Australian Barbie Club (ABC Doll Club) stated the news of the theft had ‘rocked the Barbie community’, and urged members to be on the lookout for the dolls.

Barbie theft3
A prized possession for many, Barbie’s Happy Family ‘Grandma’ now fetches prices of up to $250. The entire line was pulled from shelves after Mattel received backlash for releasing a pregnant version of character Midge, which is now valued between $400 and $600.

“It’s unusual for a doll heist to occur. Toys are big business … but Barbie is not that easy to dismantle and disseminate.

“The community is fairly tight-knit, we know each other by name or reputation, and scams, sales, and rarities are shared frequently.

“Everyone is already on the lookout for these stolen dolls— they won’t be easy to get rid of. The sheer size of 150 boxed dolls requires hefty transport.

“Values fluctuate wildly and … the thieves will not be making a quick turnover, as anyone who has sold a collection will attest to.

“At the ABC Doll Club, we remind our members to ensure they have accurate lists of their collections, and seek out suitable insurance. And please be careful when you share information about your dolls … and your vacation plans.”

Shepparton Police are investigating the theft, and urge anyone with information that can assist police to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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