Ace Grading, Pokémon, and Security: Rebuilding Trust After a Targeted Break-In

• by Anthony Orjally
• Advent IM Blog

In a disheartening event that sent ripples through the Pokémon card community, Randolph, the owner of Ace Grading – a Pokémon card grading company – recently experienced a targeted break-in at his facility. Despite visible distress, Randolph has admirably taken ownership of the situation and is determined to rebuild trust with his community while strengthening his company’s security to ensure such an incident never occurs again.

What Is a Pokémon Card Grading Company?

Before diving deeper, it’s essential to understand what a Pokémon card grading company like Ace Grading does and why it’s such a significant part of the collecting world. These businesses specialise in assessing and authenticating the quality of Pokémon cards. Each card is carefully examined for attributes such as centering, surface condition, edges, and corners, and then assigned a grade that reflects its condition. Cards are encapsulated in tamper-proof cases with their grades prominently displayed, adding both value and security for collectors.

The reason grading companies hold such a pivotal role in the industry is the sheer value of these cards. A highly graded card can fetch astronomical prices on the market. For example, rare cards like a first-edition Charizard or other limited-edition holographic cards have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars in pristine condition. Even less iconic but well-preserved cards can easily reach thousands of dollars. This makes grading not just a tool for preserving collectibles but also a vital step in maximising their market value.

This significant market demand underscores why a grading company like Ace Grading is such an attractive target for thieves and why protecting these valuable assets is of utmost importance.

A Professional and Targeted Attack

The break-in at Ace Grading was not a random act. This was a professional operation, meticulously executed to bypass existing security measures. Interestingly, the culprits did not take expensive equipment, which would typically be the primary target in such heists. Instead, they targeted a specific section of Pokémon cards. This deliberate focus suggests the perpetrators had prior knowledge of the cards’ value and location.

Randolph, visibly shaken, is calling on the community for help, asking for information about any suspicious card sales or movements of graded cards in bulk.

A Community Rallying Together

Despite the gravity of the situation, Randolph’s honesty and transparency has led to significant support from the Pokémon card community. His heartfelt video update about the break-in prompted an outpouring of encouragement and even donations to help the company recover.

Such incidents can understandably shake customer trust. However, Randolph has compensated all affected customers and expressed his commitment to both the community and his staff. While he acknowledges the possibility of losing customer confidence, he remains steadfast in his goal: to protect his staff, honour his customers, and rebuild Ace Grading stronger than ever.

The Path to Preventing Future Incidents

The break-in underscores the importance of robust physical security measures for businesses like Ace Grading. As Randolph rightly pointed out, security measures were already in place, yet the culprits managed to circumvent them. This situation highlights the need for continuous assessment and improvement of security protocols.

One effective strategy to bolster security is red teaming. This involves hiring expert security professionals to simulate attacks on an organisation’s physical and digital infrastructure. By identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses, red teaming can provide actionable insights into improving security measures. For a company like Ace Grading, this could involve:

Upgrading Physical Security Systems: Installing advanced surveillance cameras, reinforced locks, and access control systems can make unauthorised entry significantly more challenging.

Conducting Regular Security Audits: Periodic checks ensure that all systems remain up-to-date and functional.

Enhanced Monitoring and Tracking: Implementing tags for high-value items like Pokémon cards can help track their movement and deter theft.

Staff Training: Educating employees on security protocols ensures they are prepared to handle potential threats.

Randolph has already promised to “lock this place down” moving forward, demonstrating his resolve to protect Ace Grading and its community.

Moving Forward

The break-in at Ace Grading is a stark reminder of the risks faced by niche businesses handling high-value items. While the incident is undoubtedly a setback, Randolph’s commitment to rebuilding trust, coupled with the community’s unwavering support, positions Ace Grading for a strong comeback.

Security, both physical and digital, is an ongoing process that requires constant vigilance and adaptation. By implementing advanced measures like red teaming and fostering community engagement, Ace Grading can emerge from this incident stronger than ever, continuing to serve its customers and employees with integrity and dedication.

The best time to act on vulnerabilities may have been yesterday, but the second-best time is now. Randolph and Ace Grading are taking that step forward – and they are clearly not alone.