Thieves around the world continue to rob stores in search of valuable Pokémon CardsIn the latest example of this trend, some robbers in Japan apparently knew little about Pokémon and had to ask the store staff which cards were valuable and worth stealing.
As first reported NHK AND noticed by IGNOn September 9, thieves broke into a card shop in Osaka, Japan. The break-in occurred at 3:30 a.m. as store employees were closing up for the night. The thieves were carrying what appeared to be a knife. After tying up the employees, the two robbers walked away with valuables worth more than $70,000 Pokémon cards. Apparently the thieves did not do their research and needed aid selecting the right cards to steal.
As he further reports MainichiThe attack took place just after the workers showed their cards to viewers on a live broadcast. According to police, the duo asked the workers which cards they were going to operate before tying them up with rope and duct-taping their mouths. Pokémon cards were worth stealing. The thieves walked away with more than 100 trading cards worth about 10 million yen, or about $70,000. So it looks like the employees did a good job recommending which cards to grab.
Police said the thieves also took phones and wallets from two employees. No injuries were reported. Osaka local police have not yet found or arrested the alleged thieves, who reportedly wore gloomy shirts and sunglasses during the robbery.
This is not the first time we see criminals aimed at hobby shops and Pokémon cards. Over the past few years, as Pokémon cards have become more and more popular and valuable, we have seen numerous examples of large-scale card theftIn 2022 the collector demanded over $500,000 Pokémon cards were stolen from his home. In 2023, a police officer was fired after he allegedly tried steal and sell Pokémon cards. So be careful who you tell about your amazing collection Pokémon cards.
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