Trading cards worth $963,000 stolen from Santa Ana FedEx truck
Police are investigating the theft of collectible cards worth at least $963,000 from a parked FedEx vehicle in Santa Ana. The grand-scale cargo loss has prompted an active inquiry by detectives and shipping officials. Thieves struck the vehicle outside an authentication facility on Oct. 13.
The truck sat parked near Professional Sports Authenticator, also called PSA. Santa Ana Police Department spokesperson Natalie Garcia announced the case in a news release. Stolen items included Pokémon and sports cards.
The driver had left the truck unattended, Garcia said in an email. Investigators are still determining how long the driver was absent. The vehicle lock was gone, according to police.
Two loaded pallets were missing, Garcia said. A third pallet in the truck was disturbed.
“The estimated value of the stolen cards at the time of the incident was $963,000. However, the exact value of the stolen items has not yet been determined,” Garcia said in the news release.
Card collector Nick Andrews, located near Boston, said the total value could be much higher. He collects vintage sports and Pokémon cards. Andrews was not affected directly.
He said he heard from at least two dozen affected people.
“Thousands of cards, most likely, and millions of dollars, most likely,” he said of the losses collectors suffered.
Andrews said one submitter claimed a loss of half a million dollars in declared value. That person had sent items on behalf of several collectors. Online posts showed customers worried about proper compensation.
Parent firm Collectors deactivated certificates for the stolen cards. The company notified marketplace partners to track rare and serialized pieces. The business arranged compensation based on fair market value.
“We understand the impact this has on collectors involved, many of whom see these cards as far more than a financial asset,” the statement from Collectors said. “Our team is focused on supporting them. We take this incident seriously, and we will continue working with law enforcement to hold those responsible accountable.”
Both corporate firms are aiding Santa Ana detectives. FedEx spokesperson David Westrick stated customer shipment security is a top priority. FedEx referred further queries to law enforcement.
PSA grades the condition of cards, autographs, and comic books. The firm verifies the authenticity of rare memorabilia before return to owners. Commercial delivery carriers routinely transport these assets between owners and graders.
Anyone with details can contact the Santa Ana Police Department.
