Two brothers admit to stealing more than £71,000 worth of Pokémon TCG cards after failing to escape the police and hide the loot
Two brothers in Warrington, Cheshire, England have pleaded guilty to a coordinated series of burglaries targeting Pokémon trading card shops. Keith Johnson, 33, and Shane Johnson, 37, admitted to charges of burglary with intent to steal after targeting multiple collectibles stores throughout the area, including Celestial Collectables on Lovely Lane.
The brothers stole more than £71,000 worth of Pokémon TCG cards and memorabilia across their criminal enterprise. The initial break-in at Celestial Collectables was reported to Cheshire Police on April 8, 2026. The shop specializes in rare and high-value Pokémon trading cards along with other collectible items.
Keith Johnson has already been sentenced to 29 months in prison following his guilty plea. His older brother Shane Johnson is scheduled to receive his sentence on July 31 at Birmingham Crown Court. Both men admitted to the same burglary charges during their legal proceedings.
The case underscores the ongoing appeal and financial value of Pokémon TCG products, particularly as the collectible card game continues to experience strong market demand among players and collectors. The 30th anniversary set release has further intensified interest in rare cards, making shops specializing in these products attractive targets for organized retail theft.