STERLING HEIGHTS (WWJ) -- Pokémon trading cards are a hot target for thieves in Metro Detroit.
On Tuesday, First Edition Finds — a hobby shop on Van Dyke Ave. in Sterling Heights — had its Pokémon cards stolen.
A thief allegedly broke into the store overnight, smashing several glass display cases to grab the cards.
Store owner Jonathan Gappy told WWJ's Ryan Wrecker he got an alert on his phone that a window was broken, and arrived to find a mess.
He said the suspect was seen on surveillance footage smashing multiple cases and selectively stealing Pokémon cards, stuffing them into a shopping bag. The cards, in mint condition, are valued at more than $50,000, according to Gappy.
There has been no word from Sterling Heights police about any arrests in the case, and Gappy is hoping that someone will call in with a tip. He's offering a $15,000 reward to the tipster if the card are recovered.
Meanwhile, the business is temporarily closed to make repairs and replace inventory.
A message posted by First Edition Finds on Facebook, along with a photo of the damage, reads:
"Thank you so much to all of our loyal customers for their continued support these past couple months. We will be back stronger and better for the community!"
WWJ Newsradio 950's Taylor Dietz reports that this is not the first shop in Metro Detroit that has been targeted by thieves for its Pokémon cards.
RWI Hobbies in Livonia was a victim earlier this year, Detroit Sports Cards & Collectibles in St. Clair Shores was hit before, and people have even stolen the Pokémon cards from Walmart.
Pokémon cards, which gain popularity back in the 90s, are hot once again amid a trend of collectors posting pack-opening videos on YouTube and TikTok.