Thieves Steal $963,000 in Graded Pokémon and Sports Cards from FedEx Truck in Santa Ana

Key points

• Two pallets of trading cards, valued at $963,000, were stolen from a FedEx truck in the 1600 block of E. St. Andrew Place in Santa Ana.
• The theft was reported by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) on October 13, 2026, and confirmed by Santa Ana Police Department on October 19.
• A third pallet was 'disrupted,' and the exact total value remains under investigation as remaining boxes are scanned.
• PSA has deactivated certificates for stolen items and is arranging compensation based on fair market value for affected customers.
• No arrests have been made, and the cards have not been recovered.

Background

This incident follows a pattern of trading card thefts in Southern California, including a $100,000 theft in Burbank in January 2026 and a theft in Upland in July 2026. PSA, which authenticates and grades collectibles, is a frequent target for such crimes due to the high value of its inventory.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Los Angeles and Fox News both report the theft of two pallets worth $963,000, with a third pallet disrupted. NBC Los Angeles highlights the emotional impact on a specific collector, SKY-B Cards, who lost 104 irreplaceable cards. Fox News emphasizes the method of the theft, noting the driver was away from the vehicle when the lock was broken. Both outlets confirm PSA's response, including deactivating certificates and arranging compensation. The Yahoo source is a technical error page and provides no additional information.

Why it matters

The theft highlights the growing risk of high-value collectibles being targeted during transit, particularly for companies like PSA that handle rare and expensive items. It also underscores the challenges in securing shipments and the potential financial and emotional impact on collectors.

What to watch

Santa Ana Police Department is investigating the theft and has urged anyone with information to contact them. PSA is working with law enforcement and FedEx to identify the perpetrators and recover the stolen goods. The exact total value of the theft may be updated as more boxes are scanned.