Ben Powell, co-owner of the Full Fire TCG shop in Gloucester, is raising concerns about safety following a recent break-in that saw up to £25,000 of collectible card games stolen. The incident, captured on CCTV, shows three masked intruders using crowbars to smash through a door and window in the city’s docklands area.
The theft at Ben’s shop adds to a disturbing trend targeting businesses and collectors of high-value trading cards like Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering. In recent months, similar raids have resulted in losses of £300,000 from a Surrey resident, £100,000 from a Cambridgeshire business, and £30,000 from a small shop in Bournemouth.
Ben believes that the rising spotlight on rare cards—highlighted by social media influencer Logan Paul’s record-breaking £12.4 million sale of a rare Pokémon card last month—has made these collectibles increasingly desirable to criminals.
READ MORE: Gloucestershire Airport: Residents Demand Say in Staverton Site’s Future Through Citizens' Assembly
READ MORE: Fears Over Stroud Lido Closure Sparking Risk of Drownings in Local Lakes
“I know of at least three other shops broken into since Christmas,” Ben said. “It’s frightening. How long before someone gets seriously hurt? What if someone interrupts the burglars during a raid?”
The 34-year-old opened Full Fire TCG just 15 months ago, operating with a small team that includes one employee and a volunteer. Concern grows as his staff member sometimes works alone during early or late hours, and could have been inside during the February 21 break-in.
“The worst part is the fear—the violation of our shop keeps me up at night,” Ben shared. “Since reporting the crime, the police haven’t followed up, which makes us feel vulnerable. I even installed extra alarms at home, afraid they might target me personally.”
Despite the traumatic experience, Ben remains determined to keep the business running. However, he plans to limit his stock of high-value cards and invest in stronger security going forward.
The trend of targeting collectible card shops has alarmed many in the community. Gloucestershire Constabulary has been contacted for comment on the ongoing investigations.