by Los Angeles, CA – Two daring robberies targeting Pokémon cards and collectibles left Los Angeles collectors reeling on Sunday, with thieves making off with nearly $300,000 worth of merchandise across separate incidents, authorities and store owners confirmed.
The brazen thefts, including a break-in caught on camera using an electric saw, highlight a growing trend of organized crime targeting high-value collectibles in Southern California.
Simi Valley Store Targeted in Early Morning Heist
The first robbery occurred around 3:30 a.m. Sunday at Simi Sportscards in Simi Valley. Surveillance footage obtained by The Post showed five masked men in hoodies wielding a reciprocating saw to smash glass display cases.
Despite blaring security alarms, the thieves quickly stuffed bags with Pokémon and sports cards, including items the store owner estimated were worth $50,000.
“They were in and out in three minutes,” said Jake Miller, the store owner.
Miller, who has operated Simi Sportscards for just over two years, noted that this was his second major robbery. In April 2025, thieves stole approximately $10,000 in merchandise. This time, however, he said the robbers cleared out nearly everything, targeting volume over individual high-value items.
“I have a few cards in the $1,000 range, but this was about volume — they got it all,” Miller said.
Second Armed Robbery in Sawtelle
Later Sunday evening at 10 p.m., a second heist took place in Sawtelle, where a collector leaving RWT Collective with a high-value Pokémon haul was ambushed by armed thieves. The suspects brandished a handgun, seized the cards, and fled in a waiting vehicle, according to NBC Los Angeles.
It remains unclear whether the two robberies are directly linked, though Miller expressed suspicion. He believes the incidents may be connected to a larger pattern of thefts affecting at least four other hobby shops in recent months.
“It’s definitely an organized ring, or possibly multiple rings,” Miller said.
Rising Value of Pokémon and Sports Cards Makes Them a Target
Authorities and collectors note that Pokémon and sports cards have seen soaring prices over the past year, making them lucrative but easily transportable targets for criminals.
“They are easy to resell,” Miller explained. “They can go to a card show and unload them fairly quickly, or they can sit on them for a few months.”
The growing popularity and value of these collectibles have turned them into a high-risk commodity, prompting hobby shop owners to reconsider security measures and law enforcement to increase vigilance.
Ongoing Investigation
Los Angeles police are investigating both incidents. Officials have not yet determined whether the robberies were committed by the same suspects, though the method and timing of the heists suggest a coordinated effort.
Authorities are also looking into possible links with previous thefts at other local hobby shops and are encouraging anyone with information or video evidence to come forward.
Could collectible cards become more secure with stricter regulations, or will thieves always find ways to exploit high-value items? Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments below.
