Thieves have been recorded stealing 35,000 Pokémon cards from Tofu's Trading in San Jose in a break-in that has now gone viral. The store staff, while distressed about the incident, crafted a humorous video of the theft, which involved the culprits crawling on the floor. The staff found some solace in the fact that the thieves seemed to be unaware of the Pokémon card trading scene—they took both worthless cards and a few hundred-dollar-worth items but missed out on an expensive new set about to be released. Pokémon card thefts have been on the rise, with Tokyo police recording unprecedented numbers and a Minnesota gaming store experiencing a massive heist. The popularity of Pokémon trading cards continues to surge as these incidents highlight their value to collectors and thieves alike.

What can Pokémon card retailers do to prevent theft?

Retailers can enhance security by installing better locks, surveillance systems, employing overnight security personnel, and utilizing secure display cases for valuable items. Educating staff on security protocols and examining insurance options to safeguard against thefts can also be valuable strategies.

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has been a staple in the collectible card game arena since its release in 1996 by The Pokémon Company. It has established itself as a favorite among card enthusiasts, with an extensive community of players competing in both casual and professional settings. The game has perennially evolved over the years, releasing new expansions that keep the gameplay fresh, and it is also available in digital form, broadening its reach to even more fans of the franchise.