Vancouver Police use creative tactics to catch accused violent Pokémon card thief
One man has been arrested after being accused of robbing people of their high-value Pokémon cards in Vancouver.
According to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), since March 23, police have responded to five incidents involving victims meeting with a man to sell him their Pokémon cards.
The exchanges had mostly been organized through Facebook Marketplace. Police said some of the cards were worth thousands of dollars.
“The suspect would arrange to meet sellers in a public place and, instead of buying the cards, would allegedly use bear spray on the victims, steal the cards, and run off,” said VPD Staff Sergeant Ryan Campbell in a statement.
The VPD used some creative tactics to catch the suspect.
“On March 27, Vancouver Police communicated with the suspect online and arranged to sell him Pokémon cards. The suspect was arrested when he showed up,” VPD said.
VPD adds that the investigation is ongoing, and that there may be additional victims who haven’t yet come forward.
Anyone who might have more information is being asked to call VPD at 604-717-2541.
“If you are planning on buying, selling, or trading items with someone you don’t know, use our Safe Exchange Location right outside the front door of our headquarters at 2120 Cambie Street,” said Constable Darren Wong. “It is well-lit, and we have monitored security cameras,” Wong added.
This isn’t the first time Metro Vancouver police forces have been involved in a Pokémon investigation this year.
Earlier this year, police were investigating a brazen New Westminster Pokémon store robbery.
The incident took place at Everything J&J, and the business shared videos of the brazen break-in, showing hooded men coming into the store, smashing display cases, and grabbing cards.