A family-run shop in Digbeth was ram-raided by thieves wielding angle grinders, part of a crimewave targeting stores selling Pokemon cards. Griffins Gaming on Rea Court was broken into on April 2, with criminals cutting through gates and smashing shutters with a van.
Community Hub Targeted
The business opened last July after four years building a community in Erdington. It sells trading cards from brands like Pokemon, One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Lorcana, hosts tournaments, and buys and sells single cards worth thousands of pounds.
Co-owner Michelle Bolton said she believes her shop was one of six or seven raided in a short period. 'They brought angle grinders to cut through the big gates on the main road, then ram-raided us, driving the van through the glass doors and shutters,' she said. However, monitored alarms alerted police, who arrived within four minutes.
Damage and Losses
The robbers made off with a till drawer containing around 80 pounds in loose change and a row of Warhammer miniature tabletop gaming products. The attack caused thousands of pounds in damage, forcing the shop to close for three weeks, missing pre-release events and tournaments.
Michelle noted that release days for new trading card sets are 'insane,' with customers camping overnight. 'Queues get ridiculous, and we limit sales per household to be fair, but people argue,' she added.
Security and Community Support
The business has invested in top-quality security as the trading card market booms. After the break-in, supportive customers rallied, offering help and baking treats for the reopening. 'Everyone was so happy to have it back,' Michelle said, emphasizing that the space is a safe haven for gamers.
Griffins Gaming offers free table space for players of all ages. Despite the challenges, Michelle said some days are great, but release days can be stressful. 'You come to hate them because it takes the joy out of it,' she admitted.
