Three individuals committed a brazen robbery at a Pokémon store in Manhattan on Wednesday evening, causing chaos by brandishing a firearm and using a hammer to shatter display cases, according to law enforcement and surveillance footage of the event.
The incident occurred at Poké Court on 13th Street around 6:48 p.m., but fortunately, no injuries were reported, as confirmed by the New York Police Department (NYPD). Video footage revealed the suspects dressed in black, with one wielding a hammer to break into a display while customers and employees were present.
In a startling moment captured on camera, one robber pointed a handgun at customers, prompting some to raise their hands in fear. The NYPD has not disclosed the total value of items stolen, but store owner Courtney Chin estimated that roughly $100,000 worth of merchandise was taken. Additionally, robbers made off with cash and a cellphone belonging to an employee.
As of now, the police have not arrested anyone in connection with the incident. This robbery follows a disturbing trend in other states, notably California, where similar crimes targeting card stores have been reported. Notably, on December 2, thieves broke into LA Sports Cards in Burbank, stealing around $100,000 worth of merchandise, including Pokémon cards. Four individuals were subsequently arrested for that burglary. In another California incident earlier this month, robbers stole a customer’s Pokémon collection valued at approximately $300,000 outside a card store in West Los Angeles.
These occurrences highlight a growing issue surrounding the theft of collectible items, particularly Pokémon memorabilia, suggesting that both local and national communities may need to increase awareness and safety measures within retail environments to prevent further incidents.