A Pokémon heist worthy of Team Rocket has struck a Massachusetts store, where a masked thief snagged over $100,000 worth of Pokémon collectibles in a brazen and meticulously executed smash-and-grab. WCVB reports that the theft unfolded at 1st Edition Collectibles in New Bedford at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Security footage depicted a hooded figure shattering the store's glass door and raiding behind the counter where the high-value items, including an Unlimited Green Wings Booster Box and a Neo Revelation Unlimited Booster Box, were stored.
Caught on surveillance video, the theft was over in a mere 30 seconds – the time it took the robber to break in, stuff their bag with the collectibles, and escape. Owners of the establishment are shaken by the event, with one of them, Filipe Andre, remarking in an interview with CBS Boston, "Never in my wildest dreams have I thought my shop would be the focus of something like this." Adding to the meticulousness of the crime, Andre noted that the stolen items have serial numbers that are now flagged. However, as a precaution, the cases have now been emptied with the cameras still rolling, entrusting the hope into the closely-knit community that they will catch the perpetrator.
According to the store's co-owner, the stolen items are worth an estimated $115,000, and amongst the stolen treasures was a Neo Revelation Pokémon box valued alone at $30,000. The shop has been a labor of love for the owners, who have dedicated years to building their collection. The theft, it seems, was not a random act. "In my mind, the way I see it, it was premeditated, he knew exactly what items he was going for and he was in and out in 20 seconds," Andre told WCVB. He also hinted at the possibility of the thief being familiar with the store, considering how they bypassed security measures with precise efficiency.
Citing a keen sense of community and resilience, Andre stated, "We're not going to let them win, we're not going to let them stop us," as he spoke to CBS Boston. His sentiment echoes the outrage and shock that have rippled through the New Bedford community, and now police are on the lookout for leads. Questions are being raised about the security of collectible stores that house items of such surprisingly high value. The New Bedford police are asking anyone with information to come forward and contact them at 774-294-0896 or to call the store directly. "We'd just like our stuff back, truthfully, it's four years of hard work of not taking a paycheck to get where we are now," shared a hopeful but frustrated Andre.
