Three Robbers Steal $100,000 in Merchandise from NYC Pokémon Store

UPDATE: In a shocking incident, three armed robbers stormed a Manhattan Pokémon store on December 6, 2023, stealing approximately $100,000 in merchandise. The brazen robbery occurred at Pokémon Court on 13th Street around 6:48 p.m., with customers and employees present during the terrifying event.

Surveillance footage reveals the robbers dressed in all black, with one brandishing a pistol and another using a hammer to shatter display cases. Eyewitness accounts indicate that customers were forced to raise their hands as one robber threatened them with a firearm. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, according to the NYPD.

The store owner, Courtney Chin, confirmed the staggering loss to NBC New York, detailing that the stolen items included valuable Pokémon merchandise and a cellphone belonging to an employee. The NYPD has not yet made any arrests in connection with this incident.

This robbery is part of a disturbing trend, as authorities report a rise in similar crimes targeting trading card stores. Just recently, in California, robbers stole around $100,000 worth of Pokémon cards from LA Sports Cards in Burbank. Following that incident, four suspects were apprehended by local police. Earlier this month, another robbery in West Los Angeles saw a customer robbed of a Pokémon collection valued at around $300,000.

As police continue their investigation into the Manhattan robbery, they urge anyone with information to come forward. This incident raises significant concerns about safety and security in retail spaces, especially for collectors and enthusiasts of trading cards and collectibles.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.