A popular Midlands-based streamer and trading card entrepreneur has been left devastated after a targeted burglary saw thieves make off with a single box of collectable football cards valued at a staggering £20,000.
The Targeted Theft in Netherton
Sam Hemus, who runs the full-time business SK Cards from his home in Netherton, Dudley, had informed his online audience during a live stream on Thursday, January 1 that he would be away with family the following evening. Tragically, on Friday, January 2, his summer house—which doubles as his streaming studio—was broken into.
Two masked individuals entered the property on Lea Bank Road and stole one specific box containing 24 unopened, autographed football cards. West Midlands Police were alerted to the burglary just after 9.35pm that evening.
'One Million Per Cent Sure' It Was a Viewer
Reviewing CCTV footage, Sam is convinced the crime was an inside job orchestrated by someone familiar with his business. "I'm one million per cent sure it's a trader or someone in the card scene who has done this," he told BirminghamLive.
He expressed his anger and confusion, noting the thieves' precise knowledge. "Whoever did this knew no one was in the house. What's confusing is that they only targeted the most expensive box; they knew its value," Sam said. He highlighted that the box appeared nondescript to an outsider, being just a plain box with a sticker and barcode.
Business Resilience and Community Support
In response to the incident, Sam has moved all his valuable stock to a secure storage unit away from his home. Demonstrating resilience, he continues to stream daily, determined not to let the setback affect his business, which has garnered over 14,000 followers on the live-selling platform Whatnot.
The community has rallied around him, with a GoFundMe fundraiser set up to help recover the loss. At the time of writing, it has raised £2,150 towards its £20,000 goal. "I'm overwhelmed that people think of me like that to donate," Sam said, touched by the support.
West Midlands Police confirmed the report and that collectable items were stolen, adding that enquiries are ongoing. They urge anyone with information to contact them quoting log number 20/101849/26.
