Two brothers have admitted carrying out a series of burglaries targeting collectible trading card stores, including the theft of more than £62,000 worth of Pokémon cards from a shop in Cheshire.
The pair pleaded guilty after investigators linked them to two separate break-ins using CCTV footage, vehicle tracking and recovered stolen property. One brother has already been jailed, while the other is awaiting sentencing.
Gaming Store Left Ransacked After Four-Minute Raid
Shane Johnson, 37, and his younger brother, Keith Johnson, 33, broke into Celestial Collectables in Warrington on April 8 using a crowbar to force entry.
Wearing face coverings and tracksuits, the brothers headed directly to display cabinets containing high-value collectibles. They smashed the glass cases and filled a large carrier bag with Pokémon trading cards, graded cards, booster packs and other valuable merchandise.
The burglary lasted just over four minutes, but the damage left behind was extensive. In addition to the stolen collectibles, the pair destroyed the entrance door, display units and shop counter, leaving shattered glass throughout the premises.
The stolen merchandise was valued at approximately £62,000, while damage to the shop exceeded £3,000.
Shop Owners Describe Devastating Impact
Celestial Collectables co-owner Chris Grundy said the burglary left the business emotionally and financially shaken.
He said seeing the store destroyed after significant effort had gone into building it was heartbreaking and added that it took time for the business to recover.
Grundy also expressed hope that the court outcome would discourage similar crimes targeting collectible retailers.
The Warrington shop specializes in rare Pokémon cards and other limited-edition trading card collectibles.
CCTV and Vehicle Evidence Linked Brothers to Crime
Cheshire Police launched an investigation after receiving reports that the shop was being broken into and ransacked.
Investigators established that the suspects had travelled from Birmingham in a white Ford Transit van fitted with cloned registration plates. CCTV footage also showed the vehicle parked previously outside Keith Johnson’s home.
Police later recovered the van, discovering Pokémon cards, a branded Celestial Collectables box and burglary tools inside.
Investigators also uncovered footage showing the Transit van breaking down after the burglary, forcing the brothers to push it to another waiting van before transferring the stolen goods and continuing their journey.
Second Burglary Followed Days Later
Just six days after the Warrington theft, the brothers struck again at The Graded Gallery in Rugby, Warwickshire.
Using similar methods, they forced entry into the store with a crowbar, causing significant damage while stealing Pokémon cards and other collectibles worth more than £9,000.
This time they fled in a Nissan X-Trail, which was later found parked outside Keith Johnson’s address.
Searches of the property recovered keys linked to both getaway vehicles, stolen items from Celestial Collectables and property connected to other commercial burglaries.
Guilty Pleas and Sentencing
Both Shane and Keith Johnson admitted two counts of burglary with intent to steal.
Keith Johnson, of Yardley Wood, Birmingham, appeared before Birmingham Crown Court on July 2 and was sentenced to 29 months in prison.
Shane Johnson, who has no fixed address, is scheduled to be sentenced at the same court on July 31.
Detective Constable Hannah Smith of Cheshire Police said the investigation gathered overwhelming evidence placing both men at the burglary scenes, leaving them with little option but to plead guilty.
Pokémon Card Boom Fuels Rise in Targeted Thefts
The case comes amid an increase in high-value burglaries targeting Pokémon cards across the United Kingdom as demand for rare collectibles continues to grow.
Recent incidents have included the theft of approximately £30,000 worth of cards from a Bournemouth retailer, while collectors and businesses elsewhere have reported losses ranging from £100,000 to £300,000.
Interest in Pokémon collectibles has surged around the franchise’s 30th anniversary, with rare cards attracting record-breaking prices.
Experts attribute the market‘s growth to strong collector demand, carefully preserved cards and nostalgia-driven investment, making the trading cards increasingly attractive targets for organized criminals.
