Game shop owners boost security amid Pokémon card theft surge

A string of high-value Pokémon card thefts has prompted local game shop owners to bolster their security measures, with some spending tens of thousands of dollars to protect their businesses.

Benjamin Hill, owner of a collectables store in Blair Athol, was shaken after a break-in last month resulted in the theft of almost $20,000 worth of Pokémon and other trading cards. "It was pretty confronting to be honest … I was aware this could happen, but you never think it would be you," he said. "I was shaking a little bit as well; it took me a few days to get over it."

According to Mr Hill, the alleged thief entered through the back toilet door and crawled through the ceiling. He believes the thief targeted Pokémon trading cards, which can range in value from 50 cents to $50, but some rare cards can sell for millions of dollars. "It's just a little bit of cardboard that can fit in your pocket. You could have $1,000 in your pocket," he said.

Local police have made several arrests in connection with trading card thefts. A 47-year-old man was recently charged with serious criminal trespassing, theft, and property damage over the alleged break-in at Mr Hill's store. In another incident, a 29-year-old man was arrested for allegedly smashing a glass cabinet at a Noarlunga toy store and stealing Pokémon cards.

The recent thefts are part of a larger trend, with tens of thousands of dollars' worth of trading cards stolen from collectables shops in Brisbane, Perth, and Melbourne in recent months. As a result, shop owners are taking extra precautions to secure their businesses. Hung Nguyen, owner of a local game store, has installed bollards and a security alarm. "What's happening around Melbourne and Queensland, it's just made us think twice about looking into our security a bit more," he said. "I guess there's nothing stopping us from comparing ourselves to a jewellery shop."

The Pokémon trading card market has seen a significant surge in recent years, with some rare cards selling for record prices. An American YouTuber recently sold an ultra-rare card for $22.6 million. According to Mr Nguyen, the value of some cards has increased exponentially, with a box worth $100 to $200 now selling for $8,000. "You could say the return on investment is 100 per cent, which is crazy," he said. "So for them, it's, 'Why wouldn't I get into it and make a quick flip?'"