Thieves Crash Car Into GameStop Storefront in Smash-and-Grab Robbery

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With increasing worth, video game items and related merchandise have been attracting thefts from retailers. For instance, a recent smash-and-grab incident at GameStop resulted in a police chase. Over time, GameStop has expanded its product offerings beyond just games and consoles to include collectibles like Funko Pops and Pokemon trading cards. Some of these high-value items have made stores vulnerable to burglaries.

Lately, there’s been an increase in high-profile theft cases involving items such as valuable Pokemon cards and Nintendo Switch 2 delivery trucks, causing worry about store workers’ safety and the risks associated with reselling products. Despite several companies trying to restrict scalping profits through policies, burglary continues to be a significant problem for retail chains like GameStop.

GameStop Robbery Results in Shots Fired and Police Chase

As reported by CBS News Chicago, an armed robbery took place around 4:30am on August 7, at a GameStop located in Irving Park, Chicago. The perpetrators, who were armed, used a vehicle to crash into the store’s front entrance. They subsequently loaded a second vehicle with unspecified stolen goods before fleeing, pursued by local law enforcement. One officer was struck by one of the getaway vehicles and retaliated by firing shots at the suspects. However, the chase had to be called off after an innocent civilian vehicle was hit by a car not involved in the incident. The suspects remain at large, but authorities are actively investigating to identify and apprehend them, as well as examining the circumstances surrounding the use of force with the shots fired. GameStop is a retailer known for selling official video game merchandise, including consoles, games, and collectibles, and locals claim this particular store has been targeted previously.

Speculation is growing about what merchandise was stolen during the Irving Park incident, as some suspect it could be either popular Pokemon trading cards or the yet-to-be-released Switch 2 consoles. The high value of these items among scalpers makes them prime targets for thieves. In fact, repeated incidents of Pokemon card thefts at various stores, including GameStop, have left many concerned that this might be the case in Irving Park as well. It’s worth noting that GameStop announced in June 2025 they would focus more on trading cards as a significant product in their stores.

Many enthusiasts of video games often turn to traditional stores such as GameStop for purchasing games, picking up pre-orders, and collecting bonuses. They also appreciate the exclusive discounts and deals offered by these stores that help make gaming more budget-friendly. However, companies like GameStop have been contemplating a shift from physical retail locations towards an online-only presence. The concern of ongoing thefts remains a significant issue for both GameStop and its customer base.

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2025-08-12 07:33