Thousands in Pokémon Merchandise Stolen from Worcester Store

“That Price Range Is Something That Parents and Kids Can Actually Afford,” Says Owner John Le After Theft of 500 Pokémon Cards

Katz Paniagua, Staff Writer • November 5, 2025

Katz Paniagua.

Oct. 11th, 2025

A Worcester gaming store and lounge called Otaku Sekai located on Park Avenue here in Worcester was robbed on Saturday, October 11th. A man stole around 500 Pokémon cards worth more than $3,500. Surveillance video showed the suspect flipping through binders, stuffing some cards in his sweatshirt, and walking out with another full binder. The theft happened while employees were busy training new staff, and the store owner said it appeared to be a targeted act.

“It was a busy day. I had rows of people just trying to look at product cards and everything else. It was a very good opportunity for anyone that wanted to kind of, like, steal something,” John Le, owner of Otaku Sekai, shared.

Le opened Otaku Sekai four years ago after leaving his corporate job to create a community space for manga and trading card fans. He said the stolen cards were part of inventory that families could afford (ranging from $5 – $15), and the loss is especially upsetting because he was taking extra special care of that specific inventory. Le says his goal was to create “a space for people to come and just hang out, be social, meet each other,” bonding through a common and growing interest.

“My whole inventory in that price range is something that parents and kids can actually afford day to day,” he said. “So, it’s kind of sad that my whole inventory in that price range is gone.” Despite the setback, Le said he remains focused on the sense of community that first inspired his business.

“The family bonding — you know, the friends, the emotion, the feels that’s all into these cardboard that’s worth so much more than their monetary value,” Le emphasized.

Worcester Police are still investigating, and the store is asking anyone with information to come forward. You can contact the store at (774) 502-9687 or Contact.OtakuSekai@gmail.com.

Thankfully, no staff members or customers were hurt during the theft. Leave your thoughts about the incident by clicking the comment button on your right-hand side! Tune in for more articles.

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