Pokemon Cards And Comics Worth $400,000 Recovered From Thieves In Canada

thegamer.com:

A police investigation into a series of break-ins in Ontario, Canada has ended with two arrests and the recovery of almost $400,000 of Pokemon cards, collectibles, and comics.

Jarreh Grant, age 32, has been charged with four counts of breaking and entering, four counts of disguise with the intent of breaking and entering, possession of B&E instruments, possession of stolen goods over $5,000, possession of crack cocaine, and failure to comply with a probation order. His alleged accomplice, Sarah Skrtich, has also been charged with possession of stolen goods over $5,000.

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Halton Regional Police Service released a statement confirming Grant had been under investigation since last month. Collectible stores in Oakville, Burlington, York, London, Brantford, and Niagara all reported break-ins where Pokemon cards, comics, and "high-valued sports cards" were stolen. On February 24, police enacted "Project Umbreon" and executed a search of a residence and storage facility in Hamilton where the stolen goods were recovered.

"As a result of the search warrants, investigators seized a large quantity of collectible items stolen during recent break and enters. The stolen items included high-valued sports cards, Pokémon and other collectible cards, comic books, and figurines," wrote Halton Police. "The estimated value of the stolen collectibles is approximately $400,000."

Pokemon cards have become the target of thieves in recent years thanks to skyrocketing value among collectors. Over New Year's, thieves broke into a card store in Tokyo and made off with $11,000 in cards, while last summer, two break-ins resulted in the theft of over half a million in Pokemon cards.