- Theft
2 South Jersey card shops targeted in overnight break-ins for Pokémon cards
ByBriana Smith
Thursday, July 30, 2026 3:34AM
2 NJ card shops targeted in overnight break-ins for Pokémon cards
WPVI
GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. (WPVI) –Two South Jersey trading card shops are tightening security and working with police after overnight break-ins that left shattered doors, damaged displays and thousands of dollars in losses.
Surveillance video from Lurk Cards and Collectibles shows two suspects using hammers to smash through the glass door around 2 a.m. Wednesday.
The manager said the pair pushed past chairs and tables inside the Gloucester Township store and grabbed boxes of Pokémon cards from a back wall.
“Everybody and their mother wants to collect Pokémon cards right now, so I’m not as shocked, but it is unfortunate that it did happen to us,” manager Julian Salugao said.
The thieves took about $1,000 worth of products, Salugao said. Because of rising thefts locally and nationwide, the store took preventive measures.
“We kind of switch a lot of the boxes with fake boxes or proxy boxes to represent what the box really looks like, but the value wasn’t worth as much as it should be. If everything was there, it would probably be close to $5,000-$10,000,” he said.
Salugao said the suspects fled in a red vehicle.
About two miles away, Frank’s Card Shop in Washington Township was also targeted. Owner Frank Romean said a similar vehicle was seen leaving his store after two suspects attempted to break in on July 10. He said the same pair successfully burglarized the shop nine days earlier.
“It’s definitely rough because you put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into opening a store. Having a small business is not easy to stomach that kind of loss,” Romean said.
Surveillance video from his shop shows burglars smashing through the front door and display cases before grabbing rows of Pokémon cards worth about $10,000.
“We think it’s all connected,” Romean said.
Both owners said they hope police identify the suspects soon so collectors can safely continue their passion.
“At the end of the day, it’s a hobby, for dads and sons, moms and daughters to come in, open packs, find their favorite players, find their favorite Pokémon. It’s really not meant to be this thing that’s turned into this huge organized crime ring. Let’s get back to collecting, having fun and keeping everybody safe,” Romean said.
Washington Township police are investigating the break-ins at Frank’s Card Shop and have identified one suspect.
Gloucester Township police are investigating the Lurk Cards and Collectibles burglary.
Authorities have not said whether the cases are connected.
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