A Pokemon Card Heist With A Chainsaw Ended Exactly How You’d Expect, Allegedly
A 33-year-old Florida man has been arrested for breaking into a West Palm Beach trading card store and stealing approximately $12,000 worth of Pokémon cards. Clayton Warren allegedly attempted to break into Collection Realm on May 21 using an unconventional method: after an initial failed attempt to smash the store window with a rock, he switched to using a battery-powered chainsaw to gain entry.
The bungled heist left behind multiple pieces of evidence. Police discovered blood at the crime scene, and surveillance cameras captured both footage of the intrusion and the suspect’s vehicle license plate. Prior to the break-in, security footage also showed a man matching Warren’s description visiting the store on May 19, suggesting potential advance scouting.
Warren has been charged with burglary and grand theft of goods totaling more than $10,000. The incident underscores the surprising value and desirability of collectible Pokémon cards in today’s market, which has made trading card shops increasingly attractive targets for theft.