High Stakes and Holdups: $100,000 Pokémon Heist Rocks New York City Shop
In a scene that felt more like a Hollywood thriller than a community hobby event, armed robbers stormed a New York City Pokémon specialty shop last week, making off with over $100,000 in rare merchandise and cash. The brazen daylight robbery at Poke Court has sent shockwaves through the collectibles community, highlighting the escalating dangers surrounding the high-value trading card market.
The Heist: Terror at the Table
On January 14, what was supposed to be a routine gathering for Pokémon enthusiasts turned into a nightmare. According to reports and CCTV footage released by the store, three unidentified males entered the premises during a community event. At the time, over 40 customers and employees—including families and hobbyists—were inside the shop.
The suspects, clad in masks, gloves, and hooded sweatshirts, brandished firearms and ordered the occupants to the ground. While holding the crowd at gunpoint, the robbers locked the doors and began systematically smashing glass display cases. Among the stolen items were specific high-value cards valued at $5,500 and $3,500 respectively. In addition to the store’s inventory, the thieves also targeted individuals, robbing a 27-year-old woman of her mobile phone.
“No Card is Worth a Life”
Despite the terrifying nature of the event, no physical injuries were reported. The management of Poke Court took to social media to address the community, emphasizing that their priority was the safety of those present.
“Everyone is physically safe and that is above everything,” the shop shared in a Facebook post. “We’re grateful that everyone stayed calm and the situation didn’t escalate further. We love Pokémon, but no card is worth losing lives over.”
The store is currently reviewing its security protocols and cooperating with the New York Police Department. As of now, the investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made.
A Growing Trend of “Card-Jackings”
The Poke Court robbery is not an isolated incident; it is part of a disturbing nationwide trend targeting the multi-billion dollar trading card industry. Because rare cards are highly portable, difficult to track, and easy to flip on the secondary market, they have become prime targets for organized crime.
Recent months have seen a string of similar high-stakes thefts:
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Burbank, California: In December, thieves hit LA Sports Cards, making off with $100,000 worth of merchandise in a lightning-fast two-minute raid.
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West Los Angeles: In early January, a collector was robbed of $300,000 in Pokémon cards during a targeted hold-up outside a storefront.
The Future of the Hobby
As the value of “waifu” cards, vintage Charizards, and rare holographic sets continues to skyrocket, the “Pokémon craze” has moved far beyond the playground. For many, it is now a serious investment market—one that requires the same level of security as jewelry stores or banks.
For the community at Poke Court, the healing process has begun, but the incident serves as a stark reminder to collectors and shop owners alike: in the world of high-end collectibles, the stakes have never been higher.