At the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland, a shocking incident overshadowed the event’s final day. A sports card dealer from New Jersey fell victim to theft, losing approximately $275,000 in cash from his vehicle on Sunday, July 28.
The unfortunate event took place at the I-X Center, where the 48-year-old dealer was in the process of loading his SUV post-event. The stolen loot, along with two iPads, had been secured inside a black briefcase within the vehicle. Despite the dealer’s belief that he had locked his SUV, the briefcase was snatched while he was momentarily away.
Upon investigation, Cleveland Police First District detectives uncovered that the pilfered briefcase, containing an air tag, was eventually discovered on I-X Center grounds. Regrettably, the significant sum of cash that was once nestled inside had vanished without a trace.
In the pursuit of justice, law enforcement is now on the lookout for two suspects who were spotted departing the scene in a blue Honda Odyssey van. The authorities are urging anyone with pertinent information about the theft to lend their aid by reaching out to the First District Detective Unit at (216) 623-5118 or the Crime Stoppers tip line at (216) 252-7463.
The brazen theft at the National Sports Collectors Convention serves as a stark reminder of the vigilance required when safeguarding valuables, especially in crowded public settings. As the quest for justice unfolds, the sports card dealer and the authorities are hopeful that the perpetrators will be brought to justice and the stolen assets recovered.