Full Breakdown
Burglary at Do-We Collectibles: A High-Stakes Theft of Pokémon Cards
2/24/2026, 12:13:33 AM
Overview of the Incident
On February 18, 2026, a brazen burglary occurred at Do-We Collectibles in Anaheim, California, resulting in an estimated loss of $180,000 in Pokémon cards and other merchandise. The incident unfolded around 3 a.m. when four suspects broke into a neighboring insurance office, then tunneled through a shared wall to access the collectibles shop. Surveillance footage captured the thieves smashing glass display cases and stealing valuable cards in under ten minutes.
Details of the Burglary
The suspects, described as masked individuals, utilized tools to create a hole in the drywall connecting the two businesses. Vincent Bui, the operations manager of Do-We Collectibles, noted that the burglars appeared familiar with the store's layout, as they quickly targeted display cases. Among the stolen items were high-value Pokémon cards, including a Pikachu card valued at $300 and an Umbreon card worth $600. Some cards were graded by Professional Sports Authenticator, which could complicate their resale due to unique identification numbers.
Anaheim police reported that one of the suspects left behind a cellphone, which is expected to provide valuable evidence in the investigation. The police also indicated that a fourth individual acted as a getaway driver.
Background Context
This incident marks the second burglary at Do-We Collectibles within six months, highlighting a troubling trend of high-value thefts targeting collectible stores across Southern California. In a similar incident in December 2025, four men were arrested for stealing $100,000 worth of Pokémon cards from LA Sports Cards in Burbank. The rising value of collectibles, including Pokémon cards, has made them attractive targets for thieves, with some cards fetching prices in the millions.
Official Statements & Responses
Vincent Bui expressed his disappointment, stating, “It’s another step back. But we’ll take three steps forward.” He emphasized the predictability of such incidents, given the increasing frequency of burglaries at similar establishments. Duy Pham, the owner of Do-We Collectibles, noted that he had anticipated a break-in due to the rising trend of thefts in the industry.
Criticism & Opposition
While the police continue their investigation, concerns have been raised about the adequacy of security measures in collectible stores. Bui mentioned that despite having surveillance cameras and security protocols, the store was still vulnerable to such targeted attacks. This incident has prompted discussions about the need for enhanced security in the collectibles market.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is some discrepancy regarding the total value of the stolen items, with estimates ranging from $180,000 to potentially higher figures based on the full inventory assessment yet to be completed. Additionally, the exact number of suspects involved remains unclear, with reports indicating either three or four individuals.
What's Next
The Anaheim police are actively investigating the burglary, utilizing the evidence from the abandoned cellphone to identify the suspects. The store is also working to assess the full extent of the theft and implement additional security measures to prevent future incidents.
