Northwest Sportscards in Tacoma installs bollards and hires overnight security after thieves steal $50,000 in Pokemon cards.
A Tacoma card shop has taken drastic measures after a brazen overnight burglary. Thieves used a pickup truck as a battering ram to smash into Northwest Sportscards, making off with approximately $50,000 in Pokemon and Magic: The Gathering cards.
The incident occurred shortly after 5 am on November 2 in Tacoma, Washington. According to local law enforcement, this marks the second time in just four months that criminals have targeted the rear metal doors of the business using a vehicle.
Shop owner Don Knutsen reported that the suspects quickly cleared shelves and the storeroom using totes, according to information published by dexerto. The business is now fighting back with enhanced security measures.
Surveillance footage captures pickup truck ramming store
Surveillance cameras captured a black Dodge pickup truck smashing open the rear entrance of the building. Two masked thieves then rushed inside with totes, executing the entire operation in a matter of a couple of minutes.
Shop owner Don Knutsen noted that the criminals came in with a lot of force, specifically targeting Pokemon and Magic cards. Because many of these stolen items were sealed boxes without serial numbers, they remain extremely difficult to trace.
Tacoma police offer reward for truck tip-offs
Tacoma police have asked the public for assistance in identifying the suspects involved in the break-in. Authorities are actively searching for a dark 2006 or 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 or 3500 featuring a Mega Cab, a broken taillight, and rear bumper damage.
To encourage tips, Crime Stoppers of Tacoma and Pierce County is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest. Additionally, the card shop itself has put forward a $5,000 reward for successful tip-offs.
Card shop owner invests in overnight security guards
Following the devastating loss, owner Don Knutsen has brought in overnight security guards to watch the property seven nights a week. He has also installed heavy bollards around the building to prevent vehicles from breaching the perimeter again.
Knutsen explained that the business already utilized high-definition cameras and a strong security system, but the break-in proved the store needed to become much tougher against determined thieves targeting valuable collectibles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was stolen from Northwest Sportscards in Tacoma?
Thieves stole approximately $50,000 worth of sealed Pokemon and Magic: The Gathering trading cards from the shop.
What vehicle was used in the Tacoma card shop burglary?
The suspects used a dark 2006 or 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 or 3500 pickup truck as a battering ram to break through the rear metal doors.
What security upgrades did the shop owner implement?
Owner Don Knutsen hired overnight security guards to patrol seven days a week and installed protective bollards around the building exterior.
Is there a reward for information on the Pokemon card thieves?
Yes, Tacoma police and Crime Stoppers are offering up to $1,000, while the shop itself added a $5,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest.
