Florida Collectible Shop loses $30,000 on Pokemon cards after Smash and Grab
The Gem Mint card in Central Florida lost nearly $30,000 on Pokemon cards during Smash and Grab, marking its latest hit in a string of robberies at card shops across the state.
Trading Card Shop Central Florida It was a huge hit Monday after a masked suspect broke into business and stole a Pokémon card worth $30,000.
Surveillance footage from Gem Mint Cards in Deland captured crimes committed early in the morning before the store opened. The shop shared a Smash and Grab video on its Facebook page.
The suspect can be seen shattering the glass into the front door of the business, entering it in a large plastic tote and heading straight towards the windshield display.
Within 75 seconds, the suspect filmed somewhere between $25,000 and $30,000 worth of rare Pokemon cards. Fox 35 Orlando.
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The trading card shop in central Florida will reach tens of thousands of dollars in Pokemon cards after Monday’s Smash and Grab. (Gem Mint Cards/Screenshot)
This seemed to be the first hit for Gem Mint Cards, but similar robberies have been taking place at trading shops across the state.
“Based on security footage, it appears to be the same individual responsibility Multiple thefts At other card shops in Florida. Same hoodies, gloves, totes,” gemmintcard said on Facebook.
The suspect has not been identified yet, and police have not confirmed any connections to other robbers.
Surveillance footage from Gem Mint Cards showed the masked thief remained within 75 seconds of being arrested by the store. (Gem Mint Cards/Screenshot)
Cards stolen from all affected stores are High resale value tag.
Some cards were extremely rare, and one was even “Gem Mint 10”. This means that according to owner Christen Wybo, the grade and condition were perfect.
Wybo told Fox 35 that it was “bad” that the stress of the robbery is currently associated with shops that appear to be “fun and open to everyone.”
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After sharing footage of Smash and Grab on Facebook, the shop received a lot of sympathy and support from patrons both near and far.
“We are extremely grateful for the incredible community built here and the continued support from all our players and patrons,” writes Gem Mint Cards.
The masked suspect broke into the store early Monday morning before being opened to customers. (Gem Mint Cards/Screenshot)
The store closed on the Monday after the robbery, but later repaired entry and reopened for business.