Hi everyone. In this post, I cover some more unfortunate Pokemon card theft cases. There is a disturbing trend of card store thefts and robberies in Canada and in the USA. You got some actual Team Rocket like cases where people are robbing Pokemon card stores.
Since the Surging Sparks set in late 2024 and the Prismatic Evolutions special set in early 2025, Pokemon cards have been pretty crazy. Booster packs used to be at 5 to 6 CAD a pack but now are at least 12 to 14 CAD per pack in July 2026.
Older popular cards like Charizard ex, this illustration rare Magikarp and many other art cards see their prices shoot up in market value. Prices can shoot up by at least 100% to 200%.
These increase in prices are higher than most stocks in the stock market and most cryptos right now as of mid 2026. People see these price increases in Pokemon cards as a get rich quick opportunity. As more and more people recognize this, then you get crazy demand and some people going all in in flipping cards (buy low sell high).
Due to crazy demand and scalpers, it is hard for regular collectors and players to get some cards. I do think some Influencers like Logan Paul are to blame for putting Pokemon cards in the spotlight.
There are also some extreme people who take the buy low sell high a bit too far. They go as far as stealing cards so they can sell them at higher prices on something like Ebay.
The victim tried to sell two Pokemon cards via Facebook Marketplace for 7000 CAD. The teen kids tried to steal from the victim and flee. Three teenagers are arrested.
This Minnesota arcade shop that sells Pokemon cards too got robbed. Thieves stole more than 20 000 USD worth of Pokemon cards.
This one is kind of insane. One armed robber robs a Quebec Pokemon card store. There were players including kids inside as this robber came in.
No shots were fired. As the robber was about to drive away, staff members went outside and damaged the robber's car.
Unfortunately, there are more cases than the 3 I listed above. With more thefts of cards, card stores will have to pay more for security. Paying more for security will hurt profits for the card stores and the stores may have to increase prices and pass on costs to consumers.
If the cost of living goes even higher due to inflation, then I forsee thefts outside of collectibles. Food thefts could be a thing in the future.
The 30th anniversary Pokemon set is coming up soon. I don't want to imagine the upcoming chaos (and possibly fighting) for that set. For me personally I avoid special sets like this, Ascended Heroes, 151, Black Bolt & White Flare, etc. The cost of packs and products are too high. I just buy single cards I want for playing and save some money.
Thank you for reading.
