UPDATE: A series of brazen thefts targeting trading cards has rocked Cape Cod, with the latest incident occurring at Vanguard Tabletop Gaming in Hyannis last night. Just days after a shocking $36,000 heist at Darkwater Games in Mashpee, authorities are on high alert as they hunt for the so-called “Pokémon Card Bandit.”
Law enforcement responded swiftly to the scene on December 1, 2023, after reports of a break-in involving a shattered glass rear sliding door. Barnstable Police deployed multiple patrol units and a K9 unit, with a police drone surveying the area for any signs of the suspect. Initial reports indicate that a suspect, described as having a medium to heavy build, was spotted wearing an olive-green beanie and pants, along with a navy-blue sweatshirt.
The modus operandi of this suspect closely mirrors that of the earlier break-in at Darkwater Games, where thieves made off with high-value trading cards including Pokémon, Lorcana, and Yu-Gi-Oh! cards. Surveillance footage from the Hyannis crime scene shows the suspect bypassing lesser items, focusing solely on high-end cards. The similarity in tactics has led authorities to believe that this could be the same individual responsible for both burglaries.
The Mashpee incident, which occurred on Black Friday, resulted in a significant loss for the community. Following the theft, Darkwater Games received an outpouring of support as they shared a list of stolen cards and their serial numbers on social media. “We didn’t have the day we planned, but we still had a heck of a good day with all of you!” the store expressed in a heartfelt Facebook post.
As police continue their investigation into the latest break-in, they are urging local shops and collectors to remain vigilant. Authorities are concerned that the suspect may have a getaway vehicle nearby and warn against anyone attempting to sell high-end graded Pokémon, Lorcana, or Yu-Gi-Oh! cards at suspiciously low prices.
“Collectors and local shops are urged to be on the lookout for unusual sales of these high-end cards,” reported Hyannis News. Anyone with information related to these thefts is encouraged to contact Mashpee Police Detective Donnis at 508-539-1480 ext. 7237 or Barnstable Police Department at 508-775-0387.
This ongoing saga has sent shockwaves through the Cape Cod gaming community, highlighting the vulnerability of local businesses to organized theft. As the hunt for the suspect intensifies, community members are rallying to support their local gaming stores, hoping for a swift resolution to these alarming incidents. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
