Rare Pokémon Card Theft: Thieves Steal Thousands of Pounds – YouTuber’s Company Targeted
Ace Grading, a Banbury-based Card Grading company owned by TCG YouTuber Randolph, fell victim to a staggering theft recently. The incident, described as a “targeted attack” by Randolph, took place on Friday 13th December, resulting in approximately £250,000 worth of Pokémon Trading Cards being stolen from the company’s headquarters.
The Targeted Attack
According to reports from the BBC, the break-in was executed with precision, leading Randolph to believe it was a “professional break-in.” The thieves specifically targeted the valuable Pokémon Trading Cards, leaving other items untouched. In a video shared on his Pokémon-focused YouTube Channel, Randolph, also known as Andrew Shane, expressed the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the impact on the community and the uncertainty of the company’s future post-attack.
Response and Investigation
In response to the theft, Ace Trading promptly reached out to affected customers via email or phone, detailing the stolen cards and providing instructions on claiming compensation. Those unaffected were also contacted to confirm the safety of their cards. Meanwhile, Thames Valley Police is actively investigating the incident, though details are scarce as the investigation remains ongoing. Randolph mentioned that security measures have been bolstered in light of the theft, indicating a commitment to preventing future breaches.
The World of Card Grading
The practice of using grading companies to assess the quality of trading cards, such as Pokémon, Panini, and Magic the Gathering, has gained popularity in recent years. By assigning a grade to each card, collectors can determine its condition and potential value, with some cards fetching hundreds or even thousands of pounds. With the surge in interest in card collecting, particularly Pokémon cards, incidents like the theft at Ace Grading serve as a stark reminder of the risks involved in managing valuable card collections.
As the investigation unfolds and Ace Grading navigates the aftermath of the theft, the community eagerly awaits updates on the situation. Stay tuned for more developments on this rare Pokémon card theft.