Burglars Steal $100,000 in Rare Trading Cards from Burbank Shop
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Burbank, CA - A local card shop was ransacked on December 6, 2025, resulting in the theft of approximately $100,000 worth of rare trading cards.The burglars primarily targeted Pokémon cards but also took valuable sports cards discovered in lock boxes.
The incident highlights a growing trend of thefts targeting collectible card stores throughout Southern California. The stolen merchandise represents a significant loss for the small business and underscores the increasing appeal of trading cards as a liquid asset for criminals. Burbank Police Department is actively investigating the break-in and potential connections to similar crimes in the region.
Elegant Operation
Store owner Nguyen believes the thieves meticulously planned the burglary, suggesting they had surveilled the location beforehand. It seemed like they had it down pat and they knew what they were doing,
Nguyen stated. They were targeting liquid assets. Pokémon cards are so easy to sell these days and a sealed product, everybody has it, so it wouldn’t raise any suspicion if someone were to sell it.
The thieves bypassed several security measures implemented by Nguyen,who believed the area was safe due to its high traffic and preventative security systems.
The trio reportedly knew the precise location of the most valuable merchandise. The stolen goods included both Pokémon and rare sports cards, inadvertently taken from lock boxes in the back of the store.
Did You Know?
The market for trading cards,notably Pokémon and high-end sports cards,has surged in recent years,creating a lucrative black market for stolen goods.
Regional Crime Spree
Authorities suspect the same group may be responsible for break-ins at at least six other card shops across Southern California. Nguyen expressed concern that the burglars will continue to target small businesses if they are not apprehended quickly. He hopes for a swift resolution to prevent further losses and disruption within the collectible card community.
| Date of Incident | Location | Estimated Loss | Targeted Merchandise |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/12/06 | Burbank, CA | $100,000 | Pokémon & Sports Cards |
| Unknown | Southern California (Multiple) | Unknown | Trading Cards |
Pro Tip: If you are a card shop owner, review and enhance your security measures, including surveillance systems, alarm monitoring, and inventory tracking.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Burbank Police Department at 818-238-3000.
“we thought this was a safe and secure, very busy street,” Nguyen said.
We had preventative measures in place and thought the deterrents were good enough.
What steps can card shops take to better protect themselves from these types of thefts? Do you think the increased value of trading cards is directly contributing to this rise in burglaries?
The Collectible Card Market: A Growing Target
The trading card market has experienced explosive growth in recent years, fueled by nostalgia, investment opportunities, and the rise of online marketplaces. This surge in value has regrettably attracted the attention of criminals seeking swift profits. Pokémon cards, in particular, have seen significant price increases, especially for rare and first-edition sets. Similarly, vintage and modern sports cards, especially those featuring iconic athletes, command high prices, making them attractive targets for theft. The ease with which these cards can be resold online further exacerbates the problem.
frequently Asked Questions
- What types of trading cards were stolen? The burglars primarily targeted Pokémon cards, but also took rare sports cards.
- How much merchandise was stolen? Approximately $100,000 worth of trading cards was stolen from the Burbank card shop.
- Is this an isolated incident? no, authorities suspect the same group might potentially be responsible for similar break-ins at other card shops across Southern California.
- What is the Burbank Police Department’s contact number? The Burbank Police Department can be reached at 818-238-3000.
- Are trading cards a growing target for theft? Yes, the increasing value of trading cards has made them a more attractive target for criminals.