> At a Glance
> – Two Pokémon card heaps totaling $350,000 stolen in LA area over same weekend
> – Collector held at gunpoint for $300,000 rare cards outside RWT Collective store
> – Thieves used chainsaw to break into Simi Valley shop, swiping $50,000 in cards
> – Why it matters: Police warn collectors of rising violent thefts targeting high-value cards
Los Angeles-area Pokémon fans are on edge after two brazen, high-dollar card heists unfolded within hours, leaving a collector at gunpoint and a shop sawed open.
The Armed Robbery
On Sunday night, Jan. 4, a customer leaving RWT Collective in west L.A. was ambushed in an underground garage by two suspects who had scoped the shop earlier. They stole his meticulously curated collection worth an estimated $300,000.
RWT co-owner Danny Leserman told KTLA:
> “He was just leaving, just trying to go home.”
Leserman and co-owner Christopher Chou said they are:
- Installing more cameras
- Coordinating with property management for armed guards
- Reviewing building security protocols
The Chainsaw Break-In
That same weekend, around 3 a.m., Simi Valley officers responded to a burglary at a shopping-center card shop. Thugs cut their way inside with a chainsaw, smashed display cases, and escaped with at least $50,000 worth of cards.
| Location | Stolen Value | Method | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| RWT Collective | $300,000 | Armed robbery | Night Jan 4 |
| Simi Valley shop | $50,000+ | Chainsaw B&E | ~3 a.m. |
Police Response
LAPD confirmed it is exploring links between the crimes; no arrests have been made in either case. Investigators are urging collectors to:
- Keep high-value cards in discreet packaging
- Transact in well-lit, monitored areas
- Consider specialized insurance
Key Takeaways
- Two Pokémon card thefts worth $350,000 hit LA area same weekend
- Collector robbed at gunpoint outside west LA store
- Chainsaw-wielding burglars steal $50K+ in Simi Valley
- Police probe possible connections; zero arrests so far
As values soar for pristine Charizards and first-edition Pikachus, collectors face a new reality: owning coveted cardboard can make you a target.
