LA VERNE, Calif. (KABC) — Frustration is mounting for a new shop owner in La Verne after a burglar targeted his business just days before the scheduled grand opening.
The thief ransacked the card collectible store overnight, getting away with thousands of dollars worth of merchandise.
Video from inside 44 Collectibles shows where the burglar smashed through the front door and the display cases. Shattered glass was all over the ground.
The thief shattered the display cases and got away with several vintage sports items and Pokémon trading cards.
The owner says the goods were worth approximately $20,000. He just opened the store about four months ago and was looking forward to hosting a grand opening celebration on New Year’s Day.
One of the sports cards that was stolen had sentimental value; it was given to the owner by his father. Now, it’s gone.
“I’m angry. I’m hurt. It just sucks. Putting so much time into something to have it just swept away just like that is heartbreaking,” said Niko Mongenel, the owner of 44 Collectibles. “We’re just trying to have a good time here and spread just joy and welcome everybody, and anything that takes away from that, you know, it hurts.”
The store’s security camera captured an image of the thief, whose face was wearing a hoodie with their face covered.
The break-in happened around 3 a.m. at the store in downtown La Verne. Mongenel says the crook left this store and then hit his friend’s collectible shop in San Dimas.
He’s telling his story so people can be alert and hopefully track the suspect down.
RELATED: Thieves steal more than $100,000 in merchandise from Burbank trading cards store
Police are investigating a burglary at a trading card and collectibles store where more than $100,000 in merchandise — mainly Pokémon products — was stolen.
Copyright © 2025 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.
