Thief swipes Pokémon cards in $25K break-in at DeLand store, police say

DELAND, Fla. – Gem Mint Cards, a collectible card store located in DeLand, was broken into and burglarized early Monday morning, according to the police department.

The owners shared a three-minute video of surveillance footage on Facebook, showing a masked person shattering the store’s front door and ducking through the broken glass with a large container.

Hey everyone,
I have some bad news to share.

Early this morning at 5:42 AM, our shop was broken into and robbed. Based on security footage, it appears to be the same individual responsible for multiple thefts at other card shops across Florida. Same hoodie, gloves, and tote.

We’re incredibly grateful for the amazing community that’s been built here and for the continued support from every player and patron.

We’ll be closed today to make repairs and take some time to regroup.

Much love to you all,
Andrew

Posted by Gem Mint Cards FL on Monday, July 21, 2025

The person is then seen going behind the counter within seconds to steal what appears to be cards on display.

The shop said it appears to be the same individual responsible for multiple thefts at other card shops across Florida.

“Same hoodie, gloves, and tote,” the post reads.

The owners said that the store will be closed on Monday to make repairs and take some time to “regroup.”

“We’re incredibly grateful for the amazing community that’s been built here and for the continued support from every player and patron,” the post continues.

Police told News 6 on Tuesday morning that they weren’t able to locate the suspect, though they clarified that the thief had swiped Pokémon cards from the store.

In all, the loss and damages are estimated at $25,000, police added.

According to News 6 partner WJXT, a similar smash-and-grab burglary was reported at a card shop in Jacksonville, where the burglar grabbed handfuls of Pokémon cards.

Many old and rare Pokémon cards can be worth thousands of dollars, providing plenty of incentive for thieves to try to snag ‘em all.

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