A rise in Pokémon card values has led to a wave of thefts targeting mail order sales, with thieves opening envelopes in transit to steal cards before they reach buyers. Small specialist businesses have been hit hardest, losing thousands of pounds in stock and revenue, forcing some to suspend online sales entirely while the losses are investigated.

Bath TCG owner Ben Thyer found seven envelopes from the same shipment tampered with using Sellotape not used by his business, indicating deliberate interference; he has since halted online sales, losing an estimated £4,000-£6,000 in potential revenue. Daniel Stack of Mana Rock Games, also based in Bath, reported around £120 in stolen cards after customers received opened, empty packages, and lost £500 by pausing sales for a week. Because sellers typically use CardMarket, buyers choose the delivery method, usually Royal Mail, whose distinctive branded envelopes may make them easy targets; Royal Mail says it is investigating and working with law enforcement.