A man arrested after hiding inside closed Best Buy ahead of a Pokémon card restock has left local authorities investigating a potential burglary in Pasadena, California. 45-year-old Patrick Keys was discovered by employees while they were monitoring the store's camera feed.
According to reports from NBC Los Angeles, Keys was seen walking around the premises after the location had already closed for the night. Police have since arrested him on suspicion of burglary. Notably, investigators stated there were no signs of forced entry, suggesting that Keys may have found a place to hide before the store closed.
The Motivation Behind the Break-In
Witnesses who had been lining up outside the retailer speculated that the incident was tied to the high demand for trading cards. Many believe Keys was attempting to gain an advantage for upcoming product releases.
The intense competition in the hobby often stems from several factors:
- Collectors looking to complete rare sets.
- Resellers aiming to purchase stock quickly for significant profit.
- High-demand drops that cause fans to wait in line for hours.
Since there has not been a major release since the Mega Evolution — Ascended Heroes bundles arrived on April 24, many believe Keys was specifically waiting for a new Pokémon card restock.
The High Stakes of the Pokémon Market
The financial incentive for securing rare cards is massive, as high-value Pokémon cards have been known to sell for as much as $16 million. This extreme market value creates a volatile environment that can lead to desperate measures.
This tension often causes frustration among the core community. While many fans simply want to collect and battle with their cards, resellers frequently buy up available stock, making it difficult or expensive for others to participate.
The darker side of this phenomenon has been explored by IGN’s Max Scoville, who recently produced a feature on the various controversies found throughout Pokémon's 30-year history. The pressure of the market continues to drive unpredictable behavior among those looking to get the jump on the next big release.
