In the aftermath of a shocking armed robbery at a Pokémon shop in the West Village, card store owners across Brooklyn are stepping up their security measures to protect their businesses. The incident, which took place on Wednesday night, saw thieves armed with guns and hammers smash their way into the Poké Court, stealing over $100,000 worth of Pokémon cards and merchandise, leaving a profound impact on the local card-collecting community.
Erik Feuer, owner of E and J Boutique in Dyker Heights, is among those taking significant steps to enhance security in response to the brazen crime. He is implementing a new locking system that will require customers to be buzzed in and is installing upgraded security cameras that will be directly linked to the police department. “From one business owner to the Poke Court: we feel for you. We are heartbroken by what happened,” Feuer expressed, emphasizing the community’s solidarity in such trying times.
The robbery not only affected the immediate victims but sparked fear among other local businesses. Feuer has decided to change his inventory practices, stating that they will no longer buy back high-value Pokémon cards from the public to mitigate the risks of theft. He lamented the situation, saying, “It’s not worth the risk to my customers, to my employees, to my wife and to my business,” while expressing concern for the broader neighborhood safety.
Following the theft, which was widely reported within the Pokémon community, other shop owners are now more vigilant, with some sharing information about the types of cards that might be in demand among criminals. E and J Boutique quickly pulled high-value encased cards from its shelves after receiving tips about the robbers’ targets.
While the police continue their search for the suspects, Feuer remains hopeful. He and his wife are actively monitoring online marketplaces like eBay and Whatnot for stolen goods, aware that many criminals may underestimate the consequences of their actions. As the community comes together, there’s a collective hope that swift police action will bring justice and restore a sense of safety among card enthusiasts.