Business · Companies · 2 days ago
Australian card shops strengthen security as Pokémon thefts rise
Shop owners in Australia are strengthening security after trading cards were stolen from collectibles shops in several cities.
At a store in Blair Athol, South Australia, almost $20,000 worth of Pokémon and other cards were allegedly taken in a break-in in early September.
Police arrested and charged a 47-year-old man over the alleged break-in, theft and property damage.
Some Pokémon cards have a high resale value, and shop owners say they are small and easy to resell.
Prices have risen amid high demand, limited supply and interest from investors.
Owners are adding measures such as bollards, alarms, roller shutters and CCTV, while one shop owner has taken expensive items off site.
Card shops are comparing their security needs to those of jewellery shops as thefts are reported in more Australian cities.
Australian game and collectibles shops are strengthening security amid reports of rising Pokémon card thefts.
Benjamin Hill said almost $20,000 worth of Pokémon and other trading cards were allegedly stolen from his Blair Athol shop.
Police said a 47-year-old man was arrested and charged over the alleged break-in at Hill’s store.
Other reported card thefts have occurred in Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne.
Shop owners say the cards can be valuable, easy to conceal and easy to resell.
- Who
- Australian game and collectibles shop owners are increasing security. Benjamin Hill reported the theft at his shop.
- What
- Pokémon and other trading cards have allegedly been stolen from shops, prompting owners to improve security.
- When
- Hill’s shop was allegedly broken into in early September 2026. Other thefts were reported in recent months.
- Where
- The reported incidents include Blair Athol, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne.
- Why
- Shop owners cite the cards’ high value and ease of concealment and resale.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A store in Blair Athol was allegedly broken into, with the ceiling damaged and trading cards stolen.
Tens of thousands of dollars' worth of trading cards were reportedly stolen from collectibles shops in Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne.
A 29-year-old man was arrested over an alleged Pokémon card theft from a Noarlunga toy store.
SA Police said a 47-year-old man was arrested and charged over the alleged break-in at Hill’s shop.
- Alleged theft at Hill’s shop
- Almost $20,000 worth of Pokémon and other trading cards
- Location
- Blair Athol, South Australia
- Date of alleged break-in
- Early September 2026
- Arrest over Hill’s shop break-in
- 47-year-old man
- Other reported theft locations
- Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne
What people are saying
It was pretty confronting to be honest … I was aware this could happen, but you never think it would be you
It's just a little bit of cardboard that can fit in your pocket. You could have $1,000 in your pocket
What's happening around Melbourne and Queensland, it's just made us think twice about looking into our security a bit more
Like a box that was worth $100 to $200 is now worth $8,000
Sources
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