Move over, Team Rocket—there’s a new Pokémon bandit in town, and they are not playing by the rules.
In what can only be described as the geekiest crime spree of the century, Suffolk County police are on the lookout for not one, but two Pokémon card heists that have left fans in a frenzy and store security scratching their heads. The thefts occurred at the same store only a day apart.
The First Strike
It all began on the morning of June 26th, when a mystery woman waltzed into the Target on Vets Highway in Commack. Like Ash on a mission, she knew exactly what she wanted: the rarest Pokémon cards money could buy. After selecting approximately $900 worth of cards—no doubt hoping for a Charizard or two—she made her swift exit, leaving the store without even a hint of guilt.
Round Two
But our story doesn’t end there. Less than a day later, on the evening of June 27th, another thief at the very same Target, this time absconding with $720 worth of cards. Surveillance footage shows her picking out her treasures before making a retreat. Was she preparing for the ultimate tournament, or simply trying to “catch ‘em all” the easy way?
The Great Hunt Begins
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers are offering a cash reward for any information leading to an arrest. So, if you have a lead, you might just cash in big time—unlike those booster packs that always seem to come up short.
As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: the thieves gotta be caught, for the sake of Pokémon fans everywhere. Whether they are building an unbeatable deck or just really love holographic cards, the reign of card-related terror must come to an end.
In the meantime, keep your Pokémon cards close and your Pikachu plushies closer. You never know when this bandit might strike again!
Anyone with information about this incident can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.
Photo by Caleb Oquendo.
