It was approximately 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, when everything changed at 1st Edition Collectibles, a specialty shop in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The store, renowned among collectors for having very rare Pokémon cards and other valuable things, became the location of a daring and surprising burglary.
The break-in was discovered the next morning by the shop owner, who found that a sizable portion of the most expensive of the Pokémon cards had vanished. What was taken was described as “high-value collectible items,” said Holly Huntoon, a New Bedford Police Department spokesperson. The owner estimates that he lost around $113,000 a tremendous sum for pilfered cards.
How did they pull it off?
The burglars, the police discovered, entered the store in the early morning hours when the streets were not crowded. Using what they suspected were careful plans and possibly inside information, the burglars gained access to the store between 2:30 a.m.
After breaking in, the robbers targeted the rare Pokémon cards—the most valuable and sought-after collectibles on earth. The cards, especially 1st Edition Pokémon cards, are hotly desired by collectors because of their rarity, condition, and sentimental value. The robbers were not in a hurry and snapped up the premium cards before making their getaway.
Why are these cards so valuable?
In order to understand why this is a big deal, it is informative to have some knowledge about Pokémon cards. The Pokémon Trading Card Game was initially launched in the latter half of the 1990s and was a gigantic hit all around the world within no time. Out of the cards, some are much rarer than others.
The “1st Edition” Pokémon cards, especially those in almost mint condition, can command thousands—if not tens of thousands—of dollars per card. They are highly appreciated by collectors as a form of investment and as vintage tokens from their childhood.
Here, the stolen collection amounted to so much that the owner of the shop referred to the robbery as the “heist of the century” in collectibles. Losing $113,000 worth of Pokémon cards is not only an economic loss but also a heavy emotional loss to the owner as well as collectors who depended on the store.
Police response and ongoing investigation
The New Bedford Police Department has begun a thorough investigation. Media Relations Officer Holly Huntoon told reporters that police officers are looking at security tapes, taking statements from possible witnesses, and scouring for any leads to arrest the robbers.
Because the stolen items are unique and easily traced, the police recommend that anyone who might be offered unusual Pokémon cards remain cautious and immediately report any suspicious transactions. Pilfered collection cards typically appear on the internet or in local card shops.
Read this later:
What is the best question to ask in a job interview
How much will you pay each month for a $100,000 mortgage?
What happens next?
For the owner of 1st Edition Collectibles, it is a sad loss, but they are hopeful. The collector community and law enforcement are all joining forces to reclaim the stolen cards and see the perpetrators brought to justice.
This shameless midnight break-in serves to remind us how valuable and sought after such vintage items have become—and how far some will go in order to get them. With the investigation ongoing, everyone waits with bated breath for the return of the cherished Pokémon cards in one piece.
