Pokémon Card Crime Wave Hits US: £100K Theft in Massachusetts, Arrest in California

Two high-profile thefts involving valuable Pokémon cards in California and Massachusetts have alarmed collectors and store owners alike. One suspect has been arrested, but the other remains at large as police continue their investigations.

The incidents, which took place just days apart in early July 2025, have brought renewed attention to the rising black-market value of rare Pokémon cards. While police in California were quick to apprehend a robbery suspect, the thief behind the Massachusetts break-in has yet to be identified.

$100,000 Worth of Pokémon Cards Stolen in Massachusetts

In the early hours of 8 July, a thief broke into 1st Edition Collectables in New Bedford, Massachusetts, stealing between £81,000 and £96,800 ($110,000 to $130,000) worth of rare Pokémon cards and sealed boxes. According to USA Today, the heist took less than 30 seconds.

The stolen items included highly sought-after collectibles, such as a Base Set Unlimited Green Wings Booster Box, a PSA 9 Gold Star Charizard and a BGS 8.5 1st Edition Shadowless Charizard.

These were all authenticated and traceable through certification sites like Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS), which have now deactivated the stolen items' serial numbers to help prevent resale.

Co-owner William Gilmour said many of the boxes featured Wizards of the Coast logos and serial numbers, making them identifiable to collectors and authorities alike. Despite clear CCTV footage, no arrest has been made.

In the wake of the burglary, the shop temporarily closed its doors. It plans to reopen with upgraded security measures and a new community-driven initiative, including a fundraising T-shirt line called The Comeback Collection.

Community Support Rallies Behind New Bedford Store

As of 18 July, the suspect in the New Bedford case remains at large. The New Bedford Police Department has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious sales of rare Pokémon cards. Collectors are advised to verify serial numbers using official databases and alert authorities if stolen items resurface.

Despite the setback, community support has been strong. 'The community outreach has been the silver lining throughout this whole process,' Gilmour told USA Today. Local collectors have offered help and information, showing solidarity with the shop and its owners.

California Robbery Suspect Arrested After Violent Theft

A separate Pokémon card robbery unfolded a day earlier in Vallejo, California. According to MSN, two private sellers arranged to meet a buyer on 7 July to complete a transaction involving cards worth approximately £1,930 ($2,600). The buyer pretended to send payment via phone before grabbing the cards and fleeing on an electric scooter.

One of the victims attempted to stop the thief and was pepper-sprayed in the face. Thanks to a quick response by Vallejo police and information linking the incident to similar robberies, the suspect was arrested on 8 July following a minor traffic collision.

Authorities recovered stolen items from the suspect, including a scooter, ski mask and mobile phone. The man now faces charges of robbery and assault with a chemical agent.

The Rising Risks of Collectible Card Trading

These incidents highlight the increasing risks surrounding high-value Pokémon card trading. With prices of rare cards skyrocketing in recent years, both online and in-person transactions have become potential targets for theft.

Law enforcement agencies and store owners are urging buyers, sellers and collectors to take extra precautions. Recommendations include verifying card provenance, conducting trades in secure locations and using authentication tools to track serialised items.

As the market for Pokémon cards continues to grow, so too does the need for vigilance. For now, one suspect remains behind bars while another is still being sought.