Three arrested after alleged $14,000 Pokémon card robbery in Vancouver

Vancouver police say three teenagers have been arrested following an alleged robbery involving high-value Pokémon cards arranged through an online marketplace.

According to a Vancouver Police Department release, officers responded shortly after 8:00 p.m. Tuesday to a robbery in progress near East King Edward Avenue and Ontario Street. Investigators say a man attempting to sell two Pokémon cards, each valued at $7,000, was bear-sprayed during the transaction.

Police allege the suspects fled the scene in a vehicle with the cards but were intercepted a short time later in Burnaby near Macpherson Avenue and Beresford Street. Three were arrested at the scene and later released with conditions pending further investigation.

Officers say one of the stolen cards was recovered and returned to the victim. Police are recommending charges against two 15-year-old boys and one 16-year-old boy. The allegations have not been tested in court.

Constable Darren Wong said the incident highlights safety risks associated with peer-to-peer online sales. “It’s a reminder that if you are planning on buying, selling, or trading items with someone you don’t know, use our Safe Exchange location,” Wong said in the release, referring to the designated area outside police headquarters at 2120 Cambie Street.