Burglary at Do-We Collectibles: A Shocking Heist in Anaheim

In a brazen early morning burglary on February 18, 2023, a trio of masked thieves broke into Do-We Collectibles, located within a strip mall in Anaheim. The theft, which resulted in damages and losses estimated at $180,000, highlights a troubling trend of increasing burglaries targeting collectible stores across Southern California. Vincent Bui, the operations manager for Do-We Collectibles, detailed the dramatic events that unfolded when the burglars drilled through a shared wall from a neighboring insurance office.

CCTV footage from the break-in reveals the burglars’ sophisticated approach. Armed with tools, they skillfully crafted a tunnel through the wall and then proceeded to demolish display cases within the store. Surveillance depicted one suspect brandishing a sledgehammer, shattering precious display cases just as they executed their meticulously planned heist. It was evident to Bui that the thieves possessed insider knowledge about the store’s layout, enabling them to navigate directly to high-value items.

As the burglary unfolded, the thieves made a beeline for a range of highly sought-after collectible items, including valuable Pokémon cards. Among the stolen merchandise were a Pikachu card valued at $300 and an Umbreon card with an impressive value of $600. These cards exemplify the lucrative nature of the collectibles market, which has seen a surge in thefts recently. Bui noted that multiple copies of these cards were likely taken, compounding the financial impact on the store.

Anaheim police Sgt. Matt Sutter reported that a fourth accomplice acted as a getaway driver for the burglars, who promptly fled the scene in a parked vehicle. In a stroke of luck for law enforcement, a cellphone believed to belong to one of the thieves was left behind at the scene, providing a potential lead in the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, the store continues its exhaustive inventory checks to ascertain the full extent of the losses incurred, which may still rise.

The modern collectible scene has unfortunately become a magnet for high-dollar burglaries, as evidenced by previous incidents across the region. For example, in December 2022, four men were arrested following a burglary at LA Sports Cards in Burbank, where the culprits stole over $100,000 in Pokémon cards and other collectibles. These incidents underscore not only the rising appeal of collectibles but also the criminal intentions they inspire, impacting both businesses and customers.

This isn’t the first time Do-We Collectibles has faced adversity in recent years. Bui recalled a previous theft incident back in June 2022, which indicates a troubling pattern where dedicated stores like his become targets. Despite these setbacks, Bui remains steadfast, asserting that they will continue to push forward, stating, “It’s another step back. But we’ll take three steps forward.” His resilience encapsulates the spirit of collectible culture – one that thrives on community, passion, and an enduring love for these treasured items.

As the investigation progresses, the broader implications of this burglary extend far beyond the losses sustained by Do-We Collectibles. It serves as a wake-up call for other collectible stores to bolster their security measures and awareness to protect their valuable inventory. While instances of theft may dampen the spirit of the community, the collective will to recover and promote the passion for collectibles continues to shine brightly.