Los Angeles, California – A customer carrying an estimated $300,000 worth of Pokémon trading cards was robbed at gunpoint outside a popular trading card store in West Los Angeles, prompting concerns among collectors as police investigate whether the incident is connected to other recent card-related burglaries across Southern California.
Gunpoint Robbery Outside Sawtelle Trading Card Store
The robbery occurred Sunday night outside RWT Collective, a well-known trading card shop located in the Sawtelle neighborhood of Los Angeles. According to reports, the victim had just exited the store and was walking toward an underground parking garage when he was confronted by suspects armed with a handgun.
The stolen cards were part of the customer’s personal Pokémon card collection, valued at approximately $300,000, according to the shop’s owner.
Police sources indicated that the suspects had been inside the store earlier, appearing to watch the victim before following him outside.
Store Owner Describes the Incident
RWT Collective co-owner Danny Leserman described the robbery as sudden and targeted.
“He was just leaving, just trying to go home,” Leserman said. “They approached him as he walked to the garage and held him up with a handgun.”
No injuries were reported during the robbery, but the incident has shaken both store staff and the local trading card community.
Second Trading Card Theft Reported in Simi Valley
The Los Angeles robbery was not the only high-value trading card theft reported over the weekend.
The Simi Valley Police Department confirmed that officers responded to a burglary alarm at Simi Sports Cards shortly after 3:30 a.m. Sunday morning.
According to police:
“The alarm indicated a forced entry and glass break. When officers arrived, they found the business’s grated door partially open and an alarm sounding inside.”
Officers discovered extensive damage inside the store, including shattered display cases and trading cards scattered across the floor.
Chainsaw Used to Break Into Card Shop
The owner of Simi Sports Cards told local media that the burglars allegedly used a chainsaw to cut through the store’s entrance. The suspects then smashed display cases and stole an estimated $50,000 worth of valuable trading cards before fleeing the scene.
Police said the suspects were no longer on site when officers arrived.
Police Investigating Possible Connection Between Incidents
Law enforcement agencies are now examining whether the Los Angeles armed robbery and the Simi Valley burglary may be part of a broader pattern of trading card thefts.
In a statement, police said they are aware of similar burglaries targeting trading card businesses and are working with neighboring departments to determine whether the crimes are connected.
Investigators have not released suspect descriptions or surveillance details as of now.
Rising Value of Trading Cards Draws Criminal Attention
Pokémon and other collectible trading cards have seen a dramatic rise in value in recent years, with rare cards selling for tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. This increase has made collectors and specialty stores attractive targets for organized thefts.
Industry experts say criminals may be specifically targeting individuals leaving card shops, knowing they could be carrying high-value items that are easy to resell on secondary markets.
Safety Concerns for Collectors and Store Owners
Following the incidents, collectors are being urged to take extra precautions, including avoiding carrying large collections alone, using secure transportation methods, and varying travel routines when leaving card shops.
Store owners across Southern California are also reviewing security measures, including surveillance systems, reinforced entry points, and coordination with local police.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have not announced any arrests related to either incident. Both cases remain under active investigation as police work to identify suspects and recover the stolen cards.
Anyone with information related to either theft is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
As trading card values continue to climb, law enforcement warns that vigilance will be critical to preventing similar crimes in the future.
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