In a brazen crime highlighting the soaring value of collectibles, a customer in Los Angeles was robbed at gunpoint for a cache of Pokémon trading cards worth an estimated US$300,000. The incident, reported on January 6, 2026, is part of a concerning string of similar robberies targeting high-value collectible cards across the city.
A Market Fueling High-Stakes Crime
The astronomical values now attached to rare trading cards have created a new target for organized crime. William Chong, owner of Dolly's Toys and Games, provided context on the market's explosive growth. He cited the example of a specific Pikachu card that was valued at around $100 in 2024. By the time of the robbery, that same card's market price had skyrocketed to between $800 and $900.
This rapid appreciation has transformed what was once a hobbyist's pursuit into a landscape ripe for high-value theft. The cards, often small and easy to transport, represent concentrated wealth, making them attractive targets for criminals.
Details of the Armed Heist
While specific details of the January 6 robbery are still under investigation by Los Angeles police, authorities confirmed the core facts: the victim was confronted by at least one assailant brandishing a firearm. The robber demanded and seized the victim's collection of Pokémon cards, which was appraised at the US$300,000 figure.
Law enforcement sources indicate this is not an isolated event. Detectives are actively investigating a series of similar robberies across the Los Angeles area where perpetrators have specifically sought out valuable trading cards, including Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and other collectible card games.
Broader Implications for Collectors and Retailers
This string of armed robberies has sent shockwaves through the collectibles community in Southern California and beyond. Store owners, vendors, and high-value collectors are now reassessing their security protocols when transporting or dealing in rare cards.
The incident underscores a darker side of the collectibles boom, where nostalgia and investment potential intersect with serious criminal risk. Police are urging anyone in the collectibles trade to exercise extreme caution, avoid discussing high-value transactions in public, and consider enhanced security measures when moving valuable inventory.
As the investigation continues, the Los Angeles Police Department is working to determine if these robberies are connected and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
