Do you recognise this car? You could help police solve the case of the missing Pokémon card. Photo: NSW Police.
UPDATE Thursday, 1 May, 9.30am: An allegedly stolen Pokemon card has been recovered, but police are no closer to finding the alleged Poke-thief.
The circumstances around the recovery of the card, said to be worth about $8000, remain mysterious.
A NSW Police spokesperson said they could not disclose any details due to “operational reasons,” however, the card was recovered shortly after the first public appeal for information was made.
Police are still seeking the driver of a red 2023 Ford Mustang with grey stripes in relation to the alleged assault that occurred at the time of the alleged theft.
Monday, 28 April, 11am: One man’s quest to ‘catch ’em all’ has led to a criminal assault, and NSW Police want help to solve the crime.
Detectives are appealing for information after a valuable collectable ‘Pokemon’-brand card was stolen, and a man assaulted, at Warilla last month.
The Team Rocket style antics took place after a 38-year-old man had arranged to sell rare collectable cards, a NSW Police spokesperson said.
The seller met with a man who said he wanted to buy the cards in a car park at the intersection of Lake Entrance Road and Shellharbour Road, Warilla, about 10:45 pm on Friday 28 March 2025.
“The seller told police he was assaulted by a man purporting to be the buyer, before a card – which detectives have been told is worth more than $8000 – was stolen,” the NSW Police spokesperson said.
“Strike Force Calmar has now been formed by detectives attached Lake Illawarra Police District to investigate the matter.
“As that investigation continues, police have released images of a car seen in the vicinity of the incident.
“It’s described as a red 2023-model Ford Mustang with grey stripes, and police believe the driver may be able to assist with inquiries.”
Police did not provide any information about the nature of the missing Pokémon card.
According to eBay records, Pikachu and Blastoise cards can both sell for about $8000.
Charizard cards can go for more than $500,000, depending on the edition and the condition they are in.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information is managed on a confidential basis.
