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Surge in thefts hits UK trading card retailers
Shops selling Pokémon cards across the UK have become the latest targets for organised thieves, with raids reported in at least six cities in recent weeks. Retailers say stock worth tens of thousands of pounds has been stolen in each attack.
Rising value fuels criminal interest
Pokémon cards, first released 30 years ago, have seen a sharp increase in value since the pandemic. Online trading and high-profile auctions have pushed prices to record levels, attracting both collectors and investors.
A recent sale by auction house Stanley Gibbons Baldwins saw over £1.5 million worth of Pokémon assets change hands. Earlier this year, a rare Pikachu card sold for $16.5 million (£12 million) at an auction involving YouTuber and boxer Logan Paul.
Roy Raftery, a trading card expert at Stanley Gibbons Baldwins, said thieves are drawn to the lucrative market but often lack knowledge of what they're stealing. "They know Pokémon is worth taking now. They think it's an easier target than robbing a bank or jewellery shop," he said.
Retailers count losses after raids
Celestial Collectables in Warrington, Cheshire, was one of the latest shops hit. Owner Chris Grundy described how thieves smashed a glass panel and ransacked the store in under four minutes. "They pulled up in a transit van, moved the cameras with brushes, and knocked the glass through," he said.
Grundy estimates £60,000 worth of stock was stolen, including graded cards, sealed packs, and collection boxes priced between £40 and £300. Other shops have reported similar losses: £30,000 in Bournemouth, £25,000 in Gloucester, and £80,000 in Peterborough.
Sam Jackway, owner of Card Catcher Shop in Bristol, said his store was broken into on Easter Sunday. "I saw them live on camera. They spent five minutes inside before security systems spooked them," he said. While only £2,000 worth of stock was taken, Jackway added that the emotional toll on staff has been severe.
Police coordinate nationwide response
Cheshire Constabulary confirmed it is working with forces across the UK to address the spate of robberies. Detective Inspector Liam Keenan said the Warrington incident is part of a broader pattern. "We've linked in with our north-west counterparts and other force areas," he told the BBC.
Wiltshire Police also reported a burglary in Trowbridge this week, where a "substantial amount" of Pokémon cards and other items were stolen.
Community rallies to support affected shops
Despite the financial and emotional impact, retailers have received an outpouring of support. After the break-in at Celestial Collectables, nearby shops donated stock, and children brought in their own card collections. "People gave us cards, helped clean up, and even built furniture. It meant so much," Grundy said.
Many of these shops are passion projects run by collectors. "We love Pokémon," Grundy added. "As a community, we'll come back from this."
Retailers upgrade security amid warnings
Grundy has since installed motion detectors, upgraded alarms, and other security measures. He urged other retailers and collectors to do the same. "It's just needed now," he said.
With the value of rare cards continuing to climb, police and industry experts warn that the risk of theft is unlikely to fade soon.
