There has been an increasing wave of Pokemon card thefts reported globally. Thieves, driven by the cards' rising resale value, are targeting collectors and retailers. The Pokemon franchise, created in Japan, has surged in popularity in recent years, leading to a lucrative secondary market for card collectibles. Law enforcement agencies around the world are now focusing on curbing this unusual form of crime.

Inside Japan, Pokemon cards are considered a precious part of pop culture, and any thefts related to them are taken very seriously. Japan's civil laws on theft are strict irrespective of the type or sentimental value of the item involved. The local community and media are actively engaged in spreading awareness about the situation and encouraging stricter measures to prevent such incidents.

In the US and EU, theft of collectible items such as Pokemon cards would also be considered a criminal offense, but it may not garner as much attention unless the theft is significant or the card is particularly rare. These regions would also use online platforms and social media to spread awareness about such incidents.