Pokémon Card Thefts Devastate BC Businesses

0:00This is Cory with the story. Here, with your quick two-minute update from Canada News today. Business owners in British Columbia are dealing with a new wave of thefts targeting Pokemon cards instead of cash or gadgets. Stores in places like New Westminster, Abbott's Ferdinand Burnaby have been hit by smashing grab robbers who make off with high-value decks. These crimes are popping up across Canada too, from Halifax to Toronto and even Calgary. The trend has spread quickly, with police in Fort McMurray arresting someone for stealing $20,000 worth of cards late last year. In Surrey, another shop was broken into just this month, and no arrests have been made yet. Officials note that these cards are tough to track compared to electronics. Pokemon cards exploded in value during the pandemic, turning a kids hobby into a hot collectible market. Influencers in online hype have pushed rare ones to sell for thousands or even millions of dollars. What started as a Japanese game in 1996 now draws thieves nationwide. Shop owners feel the staying hard, calling

1:04the losses devastating for their small businesses. Many are spending thousands on upgrades like bars on windows, round-the-clock cameras, and better lighting. Some even store top cards in safety deposit boxes now. Police urge owners to call for free security checks, suggesting simple fixes like trimming bushes. With these steps, stores hope to get back to sharing their passion for collecting without the constant worry.