Vancouver police have apprehended three teenagers for allegedly utilizing bear spray in a Pokémon card theft earlier this week. The victim had arranged to meet the suspects near East King Edward Avenue and Ontario Street through Facebook Marketplace to sell two cards valued at $7,000 each. However, instead of completing the transaction, the suspects reportedly sprayed the victim with bear spray and fled in a vehicle with the valuable cards.
Although the authorities managed to catch up with the suspects in Burnaby, they were only able to recover one of the stolen cards. The surge in the theft of Pokémon cards, driven by the high value of rare cards, has prompted an increase in criminal activities targeting these collectibles. Stores in the Lower Mainland have bolstered their security measures following a series of break-ins aimed at stealing Pokémon cards.
With the rising popularity and value of Pokémon cards, thieves are increasingly targeting them due to their lucrative resale potential. Recent incidents, including a sting operation conducted by Vancouver police to apprehend a suspected card thief, underscore the need for caution when buying or selling goods. The police have recommended charges against two 15-year-old boys and one 16-year-old boy involved in the bear spray incident, who have since been released with conditions.
This incident serves as a timely reminder for individuals engaging in transactions to opt for public spaces, such as the VPD Safe Exchange Location outside the Vancouver Police Department headquarters at 2120 Cambie St., to ensure safety during exchanges.