$113K Pokémon heist: Rare collector cards stolen in local overnight break-in
Police are investigating the recent theft of “high-value collectible items” from 1st Edition Collectibles in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The items, which are reported to be Pokémon cards, are estimated by the shop owner to be worth $113,000.
The business owner stated that sometime after 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, someone broke in and stole the high-value items, said Holly Huntoon, a New Bedford Police Department media relations specialist.
Huntoon said the incident remains under investigation, and no arrests have been made at this time.
The shop is owned by three men — William, Filipe and Sean — and has been in business in the New Bedford downtown area in Bristol County for more than four years.
William, who asked that their last names not be used, said the collectibles were worth over six figures.
He also said police had the surveillance photos from the robbery, and that changes are being made to the location since the break-in. According to the shop's Facebook page, the business will be closed until Friday, July 18.
“We just want to revamp security measures.”
William added, “It was probably the worst news I ever woke up to in my life. It was really bad.”
The cards that were stolen were some of the rarest cards out there, he said.
One item was an original box set from 1999, and another from 2000, ranging from $25,000 to $30,000 in value.
“They definitely knew what they were doing. It had to be planned. They were in and out in like 20 seconds,” William added.
“The big thing is the more eyes out there, the better.”
Their social media post on the robbery has over 250,000 views, he said.
“There’s not many places to bring these cards for sale. It’s a pretty tight community, so the more people, the more shops that know about it the better.”
The following items were stolen from 1st Edition Collectibles:
- Base Set Unlimited Green Wings Booster Box
- Neo Revelation Unlimited Booster Box
- BGS 8.5 1st Edition Shadowless Charizard
- BGS 8.5 Skyridge Crystal Charizard
- PSA 9 Gold Star Charizard
- BGS 9 Gold Star Charizard
- PSA 9 Shadowless Charizard
- BGS 7.5 1st Edition Shadowless Blastoise
For now, the business is thankful for the concern from local residents as police continue the investigation. “We appreciate the community support we’ve received; it truly means so much to us to see you all come together to spread awareness and keep an eye out for the stolen items.”
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