![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/052726-trading-cards-300x200.jpg\")
Thefts of trading cards are on the rise, with Alberta’s largest city’s experiencing a major uptick, and the problem is also affecting collectible businesses in Medicine Hat.–PHOTO COURTESY THREEFORONETRADING.COMbwagner@medicinehatnews.com<\/a>\nTwo men have been charged after thieves stole nearly $90,000 worth of trading cards from Calgary collectibles stores last summer, police say.<\/p>\n
More than $87,600 in cards were taken in four break-ins that occurred between July 14 and Sept. 7, 2025, according to the Calgary Police Service.<\/p>\n
In each case two to three people used power tools and pry bars to break into the businesses. The break-ins caused thousands of dollars in damage. Thieves also used stolen vehicles, which they abandoned after each break-in.<\/p>\n
After an investigation spanning many months police charged two Calgary men.<\/p>\n
Alston van Wenzel, 48, faces one count of mischief to property under $5,000, three counts of disguise with intent, two counts of breaking and entering and two counts of possession of stolen property.<\/p>\n
Brent Norris, 63, faces one count of mischief to property under $5,000 and one count of disguise with intent. Both men are scheduled to appear in court June 22.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe thieves in these cases did far more than simply steal some collectible cards,\u201d said Const. Garret Dawson of the Calgary Police Service. \u201cThey took valuable merchandise from small business owners while also stealing vehicles and destroying property.\u201d<\/p>\n
Investigators were able to recover many of the stolen cards, and found the stolen vehicles. These incidents are part of a wider trend. Edmonton police said in November 2025 they were investigating 11 break-ins at collectible stores since the start of September.<\/p>\n
The problem has reached southern Alberta, too. A local trading card shop owner, who asked that their name and store not be named, said their shop was broken into twice last year. Once in December, and again in April. The incidents happened after three decades without trouble. The owner told the News they then spent about $30,000 on bars, locks, cameras and other security measures. \u201cIt can be hard for small businesses like this to bounce back,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n
Demand for cards has also shot up. \u201cBefore, you used to get asked to carry a certain product. Now you\u2019re told what you get.\u201d<\/p>\n
Prices for popular releases keep climbing, until a hot product \u201cprices itself out.\u201d<\/p>\n
That value makes shops a target. He said single cards taken from a display case are nearly impossible to claim on insurance. \u201cIt\u2019d be very hard to prove,\u201d the owner said.<\/p>\n
A Medicine Hat bylaw now requires shops like this to take ID and log every second-hand card they buy.<\/p>\n
The owner said the courts are more concerning than the break-ins. They described a man who walked out with two $400 boxes of hockey cards in his hands while an accomplice waited outside. The man was caught on camera and arrested, the owner said, but was back out soon after. \u201cThat actually hits a lot harder than even a break-in.\u201d<\/p>\n
They called issues like this a Canada-wide problem.<\/p>\n
The owner\u2019s advice to collectors: \u201cDon\u2019t buy from sketchy people on Facebook. Don\u2019t support that community. Buy from local collectors or shops instead.\u201d<\/p>\n
Trading cards for games like Pokemon, Magic: The Gathering, One Piece and Dragon Ball Super have risen sharply in price in recent years.
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