Over the past month, Austin's community of game and collectible enthusiasts has faced a spate of distressing incidents, with several local game stores being burglarized and losing thousands of dollars in merchandise. According to reports by KVUE, the latest break-in occurred at Game Kastle Austin in North Austin, where owner Thomas Funk reported a $6,000 loss of valuable collectibles including sought-after trading cards.
As per the statement obtained by CBS Austin, the Game Kastle break-in happened shortly after midnight on a Saturday, when two masked assailants shattered the glass door and swiftly made away with numerous boxes of trading cards, among them editions of Magic: The Gathering, One Piece, and Disney’s Lorcana. The precise execution of the burglary suggested that the perpetrators were well-acquainted with the store's layout and, the targeted merchandise's location.
The incidents, which appear to be part of a troubling pattern, have prompted game store owners to heighten their security measures to safeguard their stock. "the thieves knew exactly where to go to find the most valuable items," Funk told KVUE. Brendan Greenwood, the owner of Bat City Games and Comics, experienced a similar ordeal, losing 'wall books,' or vintage comic books, as well as collectible card games, valued between $5,000 and $10,000.
The Austin police are actively investigating the burglaries, though there is currently no stated connection between the cases. What is clear, is the community's unwavering resolve, with patrons and fellow gamers rallying to support the impacted businesses immediately following the incidents. "The day it happened, by Sunday afternoon was probably our busiest Sunday ever," Greenwood mentioned in his statement to KVUE. Local gamers even pitched in with cleanup efforts at Game Kastle Austin, underscoring the solidarity within the gaming community.
While the string of thefts presses on, both Funk and Greenwood are focused on recovery and bolstering protective measures for their cherished establishments. In the meantime, anyone with pertinent information about these incidents is encouraged to reach out to the Austin Police Department at 512-472-TIPS or contact Game Kastle directly at 737-209-0169.
