Four Suspects Sought in $100,000 Pokémon Card Heist in Castle Hills, Texas
Store Owner Reports Significant Loss Following Break-In
Four male suspects are being sought by the Castle Hills Police Department after their alleged involvement in a break-in at a North Side trading card store, The PokeHive, over the weekend. The incident occurred early Saturday morning, around 3:25 a.m., prompting police to respond to an alarm at the business.
Upon arrival, officers discovered the front door had been forced open, alongside shattered display cases where Pokémon trading cards were kept. According to store owner Cole Blancett, the thieves made off with more than $100,000 worth of cards during the heist.
Previous Incidents Highlight Growing Concern
Blancett stated that while robberies at trading card stores are not uncommon, the theft still took him by surprise. He explained, “Trading cards are the most liquid asset other than just stealing cash out of the register. You can go to stores all over town, be able to cash out and move product quickly — usually anonymously.”
This was not the first incident at The PokeHive; a robbery occurred just days after the store opened three years ago. However, no damage was reported in that earlier incident, contrasting with the current break-in which resulted in at least $25,000 in repairs and damaged inventory, Blancett revealed.
Surveillance Footage and Ongoing Investigation
Dramatic surveillance footage captured during the attempted robbery shows four individuals rushing into the store and quickly filling large buckets with boxes containing Pokémon sets. Some suspects were seen using an object to break open the glass displays. In their investigation, police discovered blood near the shattered glass, suggesting a possibility of injury among the suspects.
As of Tuesday evening, the suspects remain at large, though Blancett expressed his belief that it is only a matter of time before one of them is apprehended. The Castle Hills Police Department has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and is urging anyone with information to reach out at 210-342-2341.
The public’s increasing interest and investment in trading cards have contributed to a rise in such crimes, prompting concerns among store owners about their safety and the safeguarding of valuable merchandise.