Pokémon card thefts surge in BC, targeting local shops

Card Shops Targeted as Pokémon Card Value Fuels Surge in Thefts

A wave of break-ins targeting collectible card shops across British Columbia’s Lower Mainland has highlighted the growing financial incentive for thieves, driven by the soaring value of Pokémon cards. Two stores, House of Cards in Abbotsford and Zephyr Epic in Surrey, were hit within a 24-hour period earlier this month, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in losses and significant property damage. The incidents underscore a trend that has been building since the pandemic, as demand for trading cards—particularly Pokémon—has surged, attracting the attention of criminals.

Financial Impact: $30,000 Loss at House of Cards

Brandon Chreptyk, owner of House of Cards, received a jarring phone call at 2:30 a.m. PT on Friday, March 6, 2026, to discover his store had been burglarized. Security footage showed a group of thieves using a vehicle to rip out the store’s security grate and smash a window, making off with thousands of dollars worth of Pokémon and sports cards in a matter of minutes. Chreptyk estimates the total loss, including damage to the building and display cases, exceeds $30,000. While the damage is covered by insurance, he notes the process is “brutal” and a repeat incident could force the store to reconsider its focus.

The thefts aren’t limited to House of Cards. Zephyr Epic in Surrey experienced a similar break-in the day prior and Chreptyk reports hearing of other incidents in the region that haven’t been publicly reported. The Surrey Police Service confirmed the break-in at Zephyr Epic on March 5th, but as of Monday evening, no arrests had been made and no suspects identified. CBC News reports that Abbotsford police are examining the Surrey case for potential connections.

The Rising Value of Pokémon Cards

The surge in Pokémon card thefts is directly linked to a dramatic increase in their value. The hobby has experienced renewed interest since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, fueled in part by high-profile collectors like Logan Paul, who recently sold a rare Pikachu Illustrator card for $5.275 million USD (approximately $7.1 million CAD as of March 11, 2026). As reported by CBC, this sale has drawn attention to the potential for significant profits within the Pokémon card market.

However, Evan Monk, store manager at Zephyr Epic, cautions against the perception of easy riches. He points out that the Pokémon Company printed over a billion cards last year, suggesting that while rare cards command high prices, the overall market is more saturated than some believe. Despite this, the demand for sealed product – boxes of cards from suppliers – remains high, making these items a primary target for thieves.

Impact on Local Businesses and the Community

The break-ins have had a significant impact on the affected businesses. Beyond the financial losses and repair costs, the incidents have created a sense of vulnerability and disruption. Chreptyk expressed concern that continued thefts could force him to pivot away from selling Pokémon cards altogether, potentially impacting his ability to serve the local community. He emphasizes that House of Cards caters to a broad range of collectors, including children and those new to the hobby, offering more affordable cards.

Despite the setbacks, both store owners have been heartened by the outpouring of support from the community. Chreptyk described receiving cards and pictures from children, as well as donations of doughnuts from parents. This community response highlights the important role these local businesses play beyond simply selling collectible cards.

The Broader Trend of Hobby Shop Robberies

The recent incidents are not isolated events. According to 604Now, Everything J&J, a card shop in New Westminster, was also targeted in a robbery earlier this year, in January. This suggests a broader pattern of thefts targeting hobby shops in the Lower Mainland. Sergeant Andrew Leaver of the New Westminster Police Department stated that “stealing from a tiny, locally owned business harms real people in our community.”

The increased risk has prompted calls for heightened security measures among card shop owners. Chreptyk is advising other stores to reinforce their security systems and consider removing valuable merchandise from display.

Investigative Efforts and Next Steps

Both the Abbotsford Police Department and the Surrey Police Service are actively investigating the break-ins. Police are examining security footage and looking for potential connections between the incidents. Abbotsford police are specifically reviewing the Surrey case to identify any shared suspects or vehicles.

The investigations are ongoing, and no arrests have been made as of March 11, 2026. Store owners are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to their local police departments and to review their security protocols to mitigate the risk of future incidents. The situation highlights the need for increased vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement and local businesses to address the growing threat of theft in the collectible card market.