Suspect stole over $1K in Pokemon cards from Oregon City store, police say

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Police are seeking the suspect in a burglary in which an Oregon City gaming store had more than $1,000 worth of Pokémon cards stolen over the weekend, authorities said.

Among the items taken, the Geeks and Games store had some of its Pokémon Destined Rivals cards stolen two days before the merchandise’s release date on May 26.

On May 24, just after 1 a.m., the Oregon City Police Department said they responded to a burglary in progress at the store located at 1656 Beavercreek Rd.

“During the investigation, it was determined that a subject had forcibly made entry into the building and had stolen numerous items valued in excess of $1,000,” Oregon City Police said in a press release. “It is possible the suspect could attempt to sell these items to another gaming store.”

Based on surveillance footage, police described the suspect as a man around six feet tall with a “heavier build” wearing all black with a mask covering his face. The suspect could be seen in the surveillance video stuffing items into a backpack. Police also released a picture of the assorted items the man allegedly stole.

La Donna Cox is the owner of Geeks and Games, which is both a retail store and a community hub, as she’s helped build Oregon’s largest Pokémon league. She said she was forced to cancel a planned tournament at the store due to the loss in revenue from the theft.

Cox said she can normally provide a space where children can feel at home, which is more important to her than the actual cards she sells.

“Just to be able to know that we’re a resource, that to help kids with reading, to help kids with social cues, to help kids in so many ways,” Cox said.

In December, Red Castle Games in Portland was hit with its sixth break-in, where about $1,000 in Pokémon cards was taken.

The motivation for these thieves comes from the possibility of encountering high-value cards sometimes found in normal packs off the shelf.

“Some of the cards can be quite expensive, hundreds of dollars worth of value on just one card,” Cox explained. “Unfortunately, it can be a lot like gambling. You think you might get the big card that’s going to pay you the big bucks.”

Cox has been hit with break-ins before, but in the past, the community helped her catch the thieves. She’s hopeful that it can happen again.

Anyone with information about the Geeks and Games theft is encouraged to contact the Oregon City police.