Anaheim, California – Nearly $180,000 worth of collectibles and Pokémon cards were stolen during a brazen early-morning burglary at an Anaheim trading card shop this week, according to police.
Authorities say the suspects broke into a neighboring business and tunneled through a shared wall to gain access to the store before smashing display cases and fleeing with high-value items.
Incident Overview
The burglary occurred early Wednesday morning at Do-We Collectibles in Anaheim. The Anaheim Police Department reported that four suspects targeted the store in what investigators described as a calculated and coordinated break-in.
Rather than entering directly through the front of the shop, the suspects allegedly broke into a business next door and cut through the shared wall separating the two properties. Once inside the trading card store, security footage captured the individuals wearing face coverings as they used sledgehammers to shatter display cases.
Officers confirmed that approximately $180,000 worth of merchandise was taken during the incident.
Timeline of Events
Police said the burglary took place during overnight hours when the business was closed. Surveillance footage later reviewed by investigators shows the suspects moving quickly through the store after breaching the wall.
According to authorities:
- Four masked suspects were involved
- Entry was made by tunneling through a shared wall
- Display cases were smashed using sledgehammers
- High-value Pokémon cards and collectibles were stolen
Investigators are currently reviewing additional footage from surrounding businesses in an effort to identify the suspects.
Details From Police
The Anaheim Police Department confirmed that detectives are actively investigating the case. No arrests have been announced at this time.
Officials noted that commercial burglaries targeting specialty retailers often involve advance planning. The method used in this case — entering through a neighboring property — suggests the suspects may have scoped out the location beforehand.
Police have not released suspect descriptions beyond confirming that all four individuals were wearing masks during the break-in.
Anyone with information related to the burglary is encouraged to contact the Anaheim Police Department.
Why Collectible Stores Are Increasingly Targeted
This incident is part of a broader trend involving thefts at memorabilia and trading card shops nationwide. As collectibles, especially Pokémon cards, continue to rise in value, they have become lucrative targets.
Ken Goldin, founder of the online auction house Goldin, explained how dramatically the market has grown.
“There’s jewelry stores, there’s fashion stores, there’s banks, and there’s collectible stores, and unfortunately, collectibles have become so valuable and so popular that they’ve now joined the ranks of a watch store or a jewelry store that makes itself a target.”
Goldin added that many collectors today are adults who grew up with Pokémon in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
“These are all kids, young adults, who are playing the game, treating it as a game in the late 90s, early 2000s, and they’re now in their 30s and 40s. A lot of them have much more disposable income, and they’re spending it on something they love, which is Pokémon.”
While many trading cards may only be worth a few dollars, rare and limited-edition cards can command thousands — and even millions — of dollars at auction.
The Value Behind Pokémon Cards
The Pokémon trading card market has experienced explosive growth over the past several years. First-edition holographic cards and limited promotional releases are especially valuable. In some cases, individual cards have sold for over $1 million in private sales and public auctions.
This surge in demand has elevated card shops from hobby stores to high-value retail operations — making them increasingly vulnerable to organized theft.
Retail security experts note that collectible items are compact, easy to transport, and difficult to trace once resold, adding to their appeal for criminals.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
Local business owners in Anaheim expressed concern over the sophistication of the burglary. Breaking through a shared wall indicates a level of planning that goes beyond opportunistic theft.
Small specialty retailers often operate with limited overnight staffing and security measures, making them attractive targets. Law enforcement officials recommend that businesses review alarm systems, reinforce walls adjoining other properties, and install high-definition surveillance cameras.
Conclusion
The theft of $180,000 in Pokémon cards and collectibles from Do-We Collectibles highlights the growing risks facing specialty retailers as the collectibles market continues to surge in value. Anaheim police are actively investigating and working to identify the four masked suspects responsible.
As the popularity and price of rare trading cards climb, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the security challenges tied to high-value hobby markets.
If you have information related to this case, contact local authorities. Share your experiences in the comments below.
