Thieves steal $180K in Pokémon cards after cutting through wall at Anaheim collectibles store
A heist at Do-We Collectibles in Anaheim resulted in the theft of approximately $180,000 worth of Pokémon cards after thieves cut through a wall to gain access.
In the early morning of February 18, thieves executed a carefully planned burglary at Do-We Collectibles in Anaheim, California, stealing around $180,000 worth of Pokémon cards. The suspects, four individuals, gained entry by first smashing the glass door of a neighboring insurance office, then cutting through a shared wall to access the collectibles store. Once inside, they shattered display cases and specifically targeted high-value items, including one card valued at $10,000, showcasing both their intent and knowledge of the store's inventory.
This incident highlights ongoing security challenges faced by small businesses, as this is the second break-in the store has experienced in six months. Employees, including Vincent Bui, expressed concern that the suspects had scouted the location beforehand, indicating that they were familiar with the store's layout and vulnerabilities. The Anaheim Police Department was noted not to have provided immediate comments regarding the incident, which may hinder the investigation into these criminal activities.
The theft raises questions about the adequacy of security measures for small businesses in areas with higher crime rates, particularly as collectibles and rare items grow in popularity and value. With rising instances of targeted thefts, including the reported Black Friday thefts, local business owners may need to reevaluate their security strategies to prevent future incidents and safeguard their merchandise effectively.