A Lille-based hobby shop specializing in trading card games and board games was burglarized in the early hours of Wednesday, September 16, resulting in the theft of raw single cards and collection items valued at approximately €40,000, according to a statement published by the business on social media.
Lille Hobby Shop Hit in €40,000 Overnight Break-in
The break-in at the Ludotrotter storefront occurred just hours before a heavily anticipated retail release. Wednesday marked the nationwide launch of special boxed sets commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise, positioning the shop as one of the primary authorized sellers in the Lille region.
Backroom Storage Targeted in Costly Raid
According to Ludotrotter management, the overnight intrusion targeted the store’s core inventory holdings.
The total financial damage is estimated at roughly €40,000. In response to the incident, store administrators announced that the physical storefront will remain closed to the public until further notice while local authorities investigate the breach.
Logistical Delay Spares Anniversary Stock
Despite the severe inventory loss, the business confirmed that the primary target anticipated by collectors was ultimately spared. According to Ludotrotter’s official statement, the thieves failed to secure the highly sought-after Pokémon 30th anniversary boxes.
The anniversary products remained safe due to logistical delays. The store announced just 24 hours prior to the break-in that its shipment of anniversary boxes had arrived behind schedule, pushing the planned sales rollout back to Thursday, September 17. Because the items were not yet accessible in the reserves during the Tuesday-to-Wednesday night intrusion, the incoming stock avoided theft entirely.
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