A 31-year-old man has been arrested after police say he broke into a collectibles store and stole thousands of dollars worth of Pokémon cards.
According to reports, Clayton Warren was charged with burglary and grand theft following the incident at Collection Realm.
The burglary reportedly happened on May 21 after the store owner contacted authorities about a break-in.
Suspect Allegedly Used Chain Saw to Break In
Investigators said surveillance footage showed the suspect first attempting to smash the store’s window using a rock.
When that failed, police say the man allegedly used a chain saw to cut through hurricane-resistant glass to enter the store.
Authorities also reported that blood was left at the scene during the break-in, which became part of the investigation.
Once inside, the suspect allegedly stole around $12,000 worth of merchandise, including valuable Pokémon trading cards.
Police Used License Plate Readers to Find Suspect
According to reports, the store owner recognized the suspect because he had visited the shop just two days before the burglary.
Law enforcement later used license plate reader technology to identify a vehicle seen in surveillance footage from the scene.
Police eventually executed a search warrant connected to the vehicle’s address and arrested Warren.
Pokémon Card Theft Cases Increasing
Reports from gaming and collectibles websites say Pokémon card thefts have become more common in recent years due to rising demand and resale value.
Many rare Pokémon cards and collectible boxes can sell for several times their original retail price, especially during periods of limited supply.
Stores like Collection Realm reportedly keep their most valuable cards locked in display cases near the register because of the growing number of thefts targeting trading card businesses.
Suspect Released on Bond
According to reports, Warren was released from jail the following day after posting a $20,000 surety bond.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue reviewing evidence related to the burglary.
