As Pokémon celebrates its 30th anniversary, thieves are targeting high-value Pokémon cards, with recent heists in New York and California netting over $280,000. In January, masked men held a group of Pokémon enthusiasts at gunpoint, stealing more than $100,000 in trading cards from a US store. Similar thefts have been reported in Japan, Britain, Canada, and Australia, highlighting the growing concern over Pokémon card security.
The surge in Pokémon card value has attracted criminals, with rare cards selling for millions. US influencer Logan Paul recently set a new record, selling a Pikachu card for $16.5 million. Factors determining value include rarity, character, and artist. However, the increasing prices have taken the joy out of the hobby for some collectors, like US-based Pokémon influencer Grace Klich, who pulled back from collecting due to fatigue.
