Thieves steal $20,000 in Pokémon cards from Anaheim shop - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
by Cierra MorganFebruary 20, 2026
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Three suspects broke into an Anaheim Pokémon card shop early Wednesday morning, smashing display cases and stealing an estimated $20,000 worth of cards. This incident is part of a growing trend of thefts targeting shops that sell valuable Pokémon cards across Southern California. Since June 2023, similar crimes have occurred in locations like Gardena, Simi Valley, and Huntington Beach, with total losses exceeding $500,000 in just two months. These thieves often bypass cash registers, focusing solely on the high-value cards.
The owner of the Anaheim shop, Duy Pham, shared his frustration after this second break-in since opening the store in 2023. Thieves previously targeted the shop last June, prompting Pham to invest in additional security measures, including cameras, alarms, and vaults. Despite these upgrades, he remains concerned about future incidents, acknowledging the vulnerability of businesses handling expensive collectibles.
The surge in Pokémon card thefts reflects their increasing value as investments. Rare cards can fetch millions, as seen with a recent sale by social media personality Logan Paul for $16.5 million. The popularity and high stakes associated with these cards have made them a prime target for criminals. Authorities are urging vigilance and community cooperation to combat this issue.
Pham is part of a regional dealer network where
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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/20/2026