Pokemon thieves clear out collectibles shop

A local collectibles shop in Winnipeg was stripped of much of its inventory in a break-in that netted thieves about $6,000 worth of merchandise. Terri Settle, the owner of Terri's Trinkets and Toys, watched in dismay as thieves punched through a grate and bathroom wall to reach the store. They took all of her Pokemon cards, approximately 7,000 of them, along with toys, jewelry, video games, a debit machine, her vacuum cleaner, and Popsicles and juice boxes she kept for children.

Settle believes the Pokemon cards were the main target, as they were stored behind the counter where she normally sits. The highest-priced cards were also taken, leading her to suspect the thieves knew exactly where to look. Winnipeg police confirmed they had received a report of a commercial break-in with property valued at over $5,000 stolen.

The investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made. Sets of Pokemon cards have become increasingly valuable due to a resurgence in interest over the past few years, outpacing supply. Some local collectors, like Curtis Howson, have also experienced break-ins and have taken measures to protect their most expensive items. Terri Settle, a retired social worker, plans to change her business practices after this incident, no longer keeping Pokemon cards on display and considering selling individual cards upon request.

She has received support from the community, with another Main Street store offering to donate items to help replenish her shelves.