A pair of brothers from the UK have been sentenced following a series of high-value burglaries targeting small independent businesses. Keith and Shane Johnson, aged 33 and 37, were apprehended after a string of raids on Pokemon trading card stores, culminating in an arrest triggered by a series of logistical failures.

The Celestial Collectables Break-in

The criminal enterprise began on April 8 when the brothers targeted Celestial Collectables, a store based in Warrington. According to reports, the duo used a crowbar to force entry, resulting in $4,000 worth of damage to the shop. During a four-minute raid captured on CCTV, the pair smashed display cases and stole a significant volume of trading cards, packs, and booster boxes.

The heist took a turn when the brothers' getaway van broke down while attempting to flee the scene. Surveillance footage captured the pair attempting to push the disabled vehicle toward a second van that had arrived from Birmingham to assist in the escape. The stolen inventory was transferred to the second vehicle, which police later tracked to Shane Johnson’s address.

A Second Raid and Final Arrest

Despite the initial close call, the brothers targeted a second location, The Graded Gallery in Rugby, Warks, just one week later. Using a crowbar again, they caused $12,000 in damage to the store. This time, the brothers fled in a Nissan X-Trail, which was later located by authorities in Birmingham.

Upon arresting the brothers, police discovered the keys to both the getaway van and the SUV, along with items stolen from Celestial Collectables—identified specifically by a box featuring the store's branding. Investigators also recovered tools intended for future break-ins and additional stolen goods from previous, unrelated raids.

DC Hannah Smith of the Cheshire constabulary confirmed that the evidence collected was overwhelming, leaving the brothers with no choice but to plead guilty.

Quick Facts

  • Total Value Stolen: Approximately $95,000 in Pokemon TCG merchandise.
  • Key Conviction: Keith Johnson pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary at Birmingham Crown Court on July 2, 2026.
  • Sentencing: Keith Johnson received a prison sentence of two years and five months. Shane Johnson also confessed to the crimes and is awaiting sentencing on July 31, 2026.

Chris Grundy, the 30-year-old co-owner of Celestial Collectables, noted the severe impact the burglary had on his business. "The break-in left me devastated," Grundy stated. "A lot of work has gone into the shop, and for someone to destroy it was heartbreaking really. It took us a while to get back on our feet afterwards."