Shoplifter swipes nearly $10K in rare Pokémon cards from Montgomery County shop: police
SKIPPACK TWP, Pa. - State Police in Montgomery County are searching for shoplifter accused of stealing nearly $10K in rare Pokémon cards.
What we know:
Pennsylvania State Police in Skippack said the suspect visited Nashcards on West Main Street in Trappe Borough on Monday, May 4th.
Investigators say the suspect asked to look at multiple pieces of Pokémon-related merchandise, and left the store with the rare items.
The stolen items include a 2021 Pokémon JPN Gengar VMAX 108781525 PSA 10 card valued at $2,500, a 2005 Pokémon Gold Star Metagross Delta Species 139716038 PSA 6 card valued at $2,850, and a sealed Pokémon Base Set XY Booster Box valued at $4,200.
Dig deeper:
Dashcam video from state police shows the alleged thief running away with the three Pokémon items.
At one point, he looks back to see if anyone is chasing him as he gets away with the cards, which are worth nearly $10,000.
Gabby Berico, who works at Nashcards, said, "It’s sad because like this is originally a hobby for children that’s the target age."
Berico said the man looked like any other collector during the theft.
The recovered Metagross card was sold at a collectibles store in Bensalem on the same day it was stolen, according to Hess.
The seller allegedly tried to sell all three Pokémon items, but the store did not have enough cash on hand.
Nashcards responds to theft with new security measures
Why you should care: Hess said, "It’s definitely becoming a target because it’s reaching valuable levels, such as jewelry and stuff like that it’s becoming a real asset for sure."
Nashcards is now taking extra security measures for their highest value cards.
Cards worth more than $500 will be locked away, and interested customers will have to request to see them.
Jerry Dunleavy, a customer from Collegeville who visits Nashcards weekly, said, "There are cards that will sell for millions. Believe it or not I’ve seen many cards that’ll sell for six figures."
Dunleavy also said, "It’s crazy. It’s absolutely crazy. Again it’s bad for the hobby."
Berico said, "I do kind of understand it because it is worth a lot of money but like imagine going to jail and being known as the guy who stole shiny cardboard and going to jail over it. Obviously most theft isn’t a good either but Pokémon cards really."
Nashcards is focusing on protecting their most valuable cards and hopes the missing items will be recovered soon.
What you can do:
Anyone who recognizes the suspect is asked to contact Pennsylvania State Police.