Masked Men Steal $50K In Pokemon Cards In Bergen County Smash-And-Grab: Video

NEW ROCHELLE, NJ — Three masked men smashed their way into a Bergen County hobby shop early Thursday morning and made off with $50,000 in Pokemon cards, police said.

Police responded to the burglar alarm at Big Pack Hobby Shop in New Rochelle at 3:12 a.m., said Captain James DePreta. They found the front door smashed in.

Inside the West Passaic Street store, several display cases were broken and shattered, he said.

The owner estimated losses as high as $50,000, DePreta said.

"Surveillance cameras observed three masked male actors filling a garbage bag with merchandise," he said. "They fled in a dark colored SUV, heading west. Detectives are currently investigating."

The shop's owner posted on Instagram that the store just celebrated its three-year anniversary.

"This was a devastating way to celebrate our three-year anniversary but everything happens for a reason," he wrote. "We are blessed to still be here and we will rebuild!"We will be back open as soon as possible. Thanks for all the love and support."

The commenters were not amused.

"Grown men robbing a place for Pokemon Cards," noted one.

"May these people never make money on these," wrote another person. "Blessing to your team I’ve never been to the shop yet but I’ll have to swing by to spend some employment money lol."

Frenzy Over New Cards

Bergen County wasn't the only place that required a police presence because of Pokemon cards this week.

New cards were released by the manufacturer this month, causing a loud argument at a card vending machine in South Jersey that drew law enforcement, Patch reported on Monday.

Patch reached out to the store's owner for additional comment, and will update this story when it's received.

Big Pack is located at 156 West Passaic St. in New Rochelle. It's open Monday through Saturday.