Investigations are continuing following a series of commercial burglaries where valuable stock of collectable trading cards was stolen.
Suspected burglars cut through fencing and removed bricks from a wall to gain access to a storage warehouse in Aurillac Way, Retford, just after 1am on 27 December 2025.
Stock of Pokémon cards estimated to be worth more than £10,000 was then stolen.
CCTV footage identified a van involved in the theft travelling on cloned plates, which was tracked to a storage yard in Manchester, where two men were caught red-handed removing boxes of stolen goods from the vehicle.
The men, aged 24 and 26, from Leeds, were arrested on suspicion of burglary. They have both been released on bail pending further inquiries.
In a separate incident, burglars smashed a door window at The Dice Jail in Queen Street, Southwell, before stealing Pokémon cards and board games.
The thieves stole stock from the shelves and cash from the till with an estimated value of £1,300 during the overnight burglary on Christmas Day last year.
A third investigation is continuing following a burglary at around 4am on Boxing Day last year at Sanctuary Gaming in Forest Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield.
Burglars smashed a window and stole cash from the till and stock from the shelves of Pokémon, Digimon, and Star Wars collectable trading cards.
Officers arrived at the scene within two minutes of receiving the emergency call, but the offenders had already fled the area.
The majority of this stock was recovered by officers when the suspects fled and dropped it. Other cards were found stashed in a nearby street.
Officers peer through a hole in a wall of a burglary in Retford.
A further burglary was reported at Jakes Breaks in High Road, Beeston, after thieves broke into the shop at around 6am on 1 January 2026.
Suspects smashed their way through a glass pane in a door before stock of Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering collectable trading cards, with an estimated value of more than £9,000, was taken.
Officers have attended the incident, and forensic and extensive CCTV work is being conducted to locate those responsible.
They are continuing to pursue several lines of inquiry in relation to all these incidents.
Chief Inspector Paul Hennessy, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We take all reports of burglary extremely seriously.
“Officers are continuing to pursue several lines of inquiry in relation to all these incidents.
“We have identified a number of potential suspects for all four burglaries, and our inquiries remain ongoing. The instances are clearly very similar in nature, and at this time, although we are not linking them, we are keeping an open mind.”
“We understand the invasive and disruptive impact that burglary can have on the operations of a business, and officers continue to work to ensure those responsible are caught and put before the courts.
“We would always encourage business owners to take proactive steps to help prevent crime.
“Burglars clearly don’t want to be seen or heard, as this will expose them, so consider installing motion-activated security lighting and CCTV to cover entrances and blind spots.
“Securely lock all windows and doors, and don’t leave windows ajar that could be jemmied to gain access. Where possible, use robust bolts and closed-shackle padlocks.
“Always keep valuable items or stock stored in locked safes or cupboards, out of view.
“We’d urge both businesses and residents to be wary about what they share publicly online, as this could indicate to criminals that there are valuable items stored at their address.
“Security mark your valuables and keep records of serial numbers, as this will make it more difficult and less desirable for criminals to sell on.
“Although these steps may seem simple, they are effective at reducing opportunities for burglars and helping to prevent people from falling victim.
“We have already received some vital information from members of the public and would urge anyone with any other details that may assist our investigation to contact us as soon as possible.
“If you see any suspicious activity, report it to Nottinghamshire Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.”
