Thief's 'Killer' Blow: £65K Pokemon Haul Damaged

A thief ransacked Badzgaming, a Cwmbran-based games shop, making off with £65,000 of rare Pokémon cards and £1,700 in cash. Phillip Hobbs broke into the premises on February 2, using a hammer and fleeing on a stolen motorbike.

Although the stolen items were recovered, shop owner Alex Badham reported that many cards suffered damage from petrol during the failed escape. This damage has rendered the collectibles practically worthless, a devastating loss for the business, which had only been open for four months at the time of the incident.

Hobbs admitted to burglary, handling stolen goods, and going equipped for burglary. He was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment at Newport Magistrates' Court on February 3 and ordered to pay £250 in compensation.

Badham expressed concern over the future of his shop, stating that the outcome of his insurance claim would be critical. He noted that the thief showed a "lack of real understanding of the hobby" by also stealing low-value items and that approximately 75% of the stolen goods are now considered a "write-off" due to damage.

Tragically, the shop experienced a second break-in attempt just two days after reopening, though the suspect was apprehended quickly. The owner is now considering implementing additional security measures to protect his stock.