How Pokémon cards are fuelling crime in Melbourne
Pokémon card-related crimes in Melbourne have surged, with thefts at hobby shops increasing from nine incidents in 2021 to nearly one per week in 2025. The rising value of rare cards, some selling for millions, has made small trading card shops attractive targets for burglars. Shop owners are responding with enhanced security and tighter inventory controls to protect their businesses and communities.
- ▪Trading card-related crimes in Victoria rose from nine incidents in 2021 to 50 in 2025, a 455% increase.
- ▪A record-breaking Pikachu card sold for $22.7 million in February 2026, highlighting the high value of rare Pokémon cards.
- ▪Hobby shop owners in Melbourne report increased burglaries and are taking extra security measures to protect their inventory.
- ▪Thefts not only impact shop owners but also disrupt the local trading card community that relies on these businesses.
- ▪Small hobby shops believe they are targeted more often than larger retailers like EB Games that also sell trading cards.
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How Pokémon cards are fuelling crime against hobby shops across MelbourneEBy Erielle SudarioTopic:HobbiesSun 17 May 2026 at 12:54pmSun 17 May 2026 at 12:54pmSun 17 May 2026 at 12:54pmAlex Balykov is a trading card shop owner in Hughesdale, who started his business a few months ago. (ABC News: Erielle Sudario)In short:Trading card-related crimes in Victoria rose from just nine burglary, break-and-enter or theft cases at retail stores in 2021 to almost one a week in 2025, reflecting the skyrocketing value of Pokémon cards.Rare Pokémon cards can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, with a record sale of one Pikachu card going for over $22 million earlier this year.Melbourne hobby shop owners say they have banded together to share tips and support on how to prevent being targeted…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).