Pokemon cards raid leaves shop owner 'heartbroken'

A shop owner says she has been left "devastated" and "heartbroken" after stock worth thousands of pounds was stolen.

The break-in happened at Trading Cards Gainsborough just after 03:15 BST on Sunday, 9 August.

A CCTV camera filmed two people getting into the Lord Street shop through a smashed window. Co-owner Toni Marlow said Pokemon cards worth £4,000 were taken.

Insp Michael Head, of Lincolnshire Police, said: "We understand incidents like this can be upsetting for business owners and customers alike, and we are committed to supporting the victim while carrying out a thorough investigation."

The CCTV footage shows the pair pulling a display wall containing trading cards from its fittings and dragging it across the floor.

The display, which the store said had recently arrived from Japan, contained single and graded Pokemon cards.

Marlow said the business was facing a bill for damage estimated at thousands of pounds as well as for the lost stock.

"Taking something off someone who's worked really hard to get to where they are, just so you can make a quick bit of money, is disgusting," she said.

"We're all in disbelief, shock – the emotions are riding really high. I'm trying to hold it together because I'll do nothing but cry.

"It's very hard to put into words without bursting into tears or getting angry."

Police are appealing for anyone with CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage from the area to get in touch.

"For specialist shops such as this, stock often represents years of investment and dedication, and the effects of theft can be felt far beyond the immediate financial cost," said Head.

"Crimes of this nature can have a significant impact on local businesses, particularly independent retailers, causing substantial financial loss and disruption."

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