Thousands of Pounds of Pokémon Trading Cards Stolen in Targeted Attack

Reports have surfaced of a significant theft of Pokémon Trading Cards from Ace Grading, a Banbury-based Card Grading company owned by TCG YouTuber Randolph.

The incident occurred on Friday 13th December and is believed to be a “targeted attack” according to Randolph and his team. The Thames Valley Police estimates that cards worth around GBP £250,000 were taken from the company’s premises.

In a YouTube video posted on his Pokémon-focused channel, Randolph, also known as Andrew Shane, described the break-in as a “professional” job, with only the cards being targeted and no other items disturbed.

Addressing the situation, Randolph expressed concern for the community, acknowledging that recovering from the incident may be challenging for the team. Ace Trading has reached out to affected customers through email or phone, informing them of the stolen cards and providing guidance on the compensation process. Customers whose cards remain intact will also receive confirmation of their safety.

The investigation by the police is ongoing, limiting the information that can be shared by Randolph. However, security measures at the company have been bolstered following the theft.

Trading card enthusiasts often use grading services to assess the condition and value of their collectibles. Pokémon, Panini, Magic the Gathering, and other cards undergo evaluation to determine a grade, which influences their preservation and potential worth.

With some cards reaching hundreds or even thousands in value, the lucrative nature of card collecting, especially for Pokémon cards, has led to a surge in popularity in recent years. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.