Arabic version: متاجر الألعاب تشدد الأمن بسبب سرقات بطاقات بوكيمون

According to ABC News, game and collectables shop owners are strengthening security in response to a rise in Pokémon card thefts, with traders citing the cards’ high resale value and ease of concealment.

Benjamin Hill said nearly $20,000 worth of Pokémon and other trading cards were allegedly stolen from his Blair Athol store in early September. He said an alleged thief entered through a back toilet door and crawled through the ceiling, which was damaged. SA Police said a 47-year-old man was arrested this week and charged with serious criminal trespassing, theft and property damage over the alleged break-in.

Mr Hill said trading cards were valuable, untraceable and easy to resell. While many Pokémon cards cost between 50 cents and $50, some rare cards have been auctioned for millions of dollars. He has since upgraded security and moved all expensive items off site.

In recent months, tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of trading cards have been stolen from collectables shops in Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne. SA Police also arrested a 29-year-old man who allegedly smashed a glass cabinet at a Noarlunga toy store and stole Pokémon cards last month.

Several Adelaide shop owners told ABC News they were taking extra precautions, including bollards, fog alarms, roller shutters and new CCTV. Trader Hung Nguyen said he was spending about $20,000 on security measures after thefts reported in Melbourne and Queensland. He said some boxes once worth $100 to $200 were now valued at $8,000, while cards were often resold for more than double their retail price.