A disappointing turn of events unfolded on the final day of the National Sports Collectors Convention in Cleveland, leaving a sports card dealer from New Jersey reeling from a costly theft. The dealer reported the staggering loss of approximately $275,000 in cash from his vehicle on Sunday, July 28.
The unfortunate incident took place at the I-X Center, where the 48-year-old dealer had been busy loading his SUV after the conclusion of the convention. The stolen cash, alongside two iPads, had been carefully secured in a black briefcase within the vehicle. Despite the dealer’s belief that he had locked his SUV, the briefcase vanished while he was momentarily away.
Upon investigation, Cleveland Police First District detectives revealed that the missing briefcase, which was equipped with an air tag for tracking, was later discovered on the I-X Center premises. Tragically, the substantial sum of cash that had been kept inside was nowhere to be found.
Authorities are actively searching for two suspects who were spotted leaving the scene in a blue Honda Odyssey van following the theft. The police urge anyone who may have valuable information regarding the incident to reach out to the First District Detective Unit at (216) 623-5118 or to contact the Crime Stoppers tip line at (216) 252-7463.
This brazen theft serves as a stark reminder of the vigilance needed when safeguarding valuables, particularly in crowded and public spaces. Such incidents not only incur significant financial losses but also disrupt the peace of mind of those affected. The hunt for the culprits continues, as the sports card dealer grapples with the repercussions of this audacious crime committed amidst the hustle and bustle of the convention’s closure.
