Robbers Steal Pokémon Cards from Manhattan Store Worth $100K

Three people armed with a handgun robbed a Pokémon store in Manhattan on Wednesday evening, threatening customers and smashing display cases, according to New York City police and security footage.

The robbery took place at Poké Court on 13th Street at about 6:48 p.m. No injuries were reported, the NYPD said.

Security video shows the suspects dressed in black, with one using a hammer to break open a display case while customers and staff were inside the shop. Footage also shows one of the robbers pointing a pistol at customers, prompting some to raise their hands.

Police did not disclose the value of items stolen. Store owner Courtney Chin told NBC New York that merchandise worth about $100,000 was taken.

Employees told officers that three people entered the store, displayed firearms and stole merchandise, cash and the mobile phone of a female employee. No arrests have been made.

The incident comes amid a series of similar thefts targeting card shops in California. Earlier this month, thieves broke into LA Sports Cards in Burbank and stole about $100,000 worth of items, including Pokémon cards. Four suspects have since been arrested.

In another case in West Los Angeles, robbers targeted a customer leaving a card shop and stole a Pokémon card collection valued at around $300,000.