Pokémon card collectors targeted in rising wave of armed robberies

The trading card community is facing an increase in high-stakes robberies, highlighted by recent incidents involving Pokémon cards. During Anime NYC at Manhattan’s Jacob Javits Convention Center, thieves stole nearly $10,000 worth of Pokémon cards from a vendor in broad daylight. An arrest has reportedly been made.

This follows a significant armed robbery in January at Trainer Court, a card shop in lower Manhattan. During a community event, three masked individuals entered the store, locked the doors, and pointed a gun at customers and employees. The robbers used hammers to smash display cases, stealing approximately $100,000 in Pokémon cards, sets, and cash.