Trading and comic stores are increasingly falling prey to criminals who are eager to steal thousands of dollars in hard-to-track merchandise within mere minutes, leaving owners and communities on high alert.
In a disturbing trend, Nine8 Comics and Games in West Sacramento was the latest victim of this wave of break-ins, targeted early in the morning on November 25, 2024, at approximately 3:30 a.m.
Store owner Christopher Aliano reported that the intruders forcibly smashed through the front door and absconded with around $1,000 worth of collectible booster packs. He acknowledged that the financial impact of the incident could have been significantly more severe.
“A thousand dollars. We got off kind of easy. If things had been in the showcase, they would have easily made off with $10,000,” Aliano reflected, indicating his gratitude for the relative safekeeping of his more valuable merchandise.
In light of past alarms, Nine8 has adopted stricter security measures, including keeping high-value items locked away overnight. This decision came after a series of criminal incidents targeting various comic shops this year, most notably the repeated break-ins suffered by World’s Best Comics & Toys on Watt Avenue in the Arden-Arcade area, which was hit twice within just three days during the spring.
Additionally, in August of this year, True Sports Cards & Collectibles, located near Standford Ranch Road in Rocklin, lost an alarming $20,000 worth of basketball trading cards, underscoring the vulnerability of such businesses. Aliano noted that products like theirs are particularly have become targets: they are not only easy to steal but are also challenging for authorities to trace, allowing criminals to operate with relative impunity.
In discussing the growing threat of these crimes, Aliano mentioned the concerning connections among numerous break-ins spanning Yolo, Sacramento, and Placer Counties. “We’re telling people, look out for this stuff because it got stolen from a store, this guy came in and ripped off one of our binders, look out for him,” he added, highlighting the urgent need for vigilance among fellow store owners.
This ongoing crime wave is fostering a sense of community among small business owners who are staunchly trying to keep their doors open despite the relentless targeting of trading and comic establishments.
“We’re small business owners; we’re not millionaires. We’re working on shoestring budgets here,” Aliano lamented, reflecting the precarious situation faced by local entrepreneurs in this challenging environment.
If anyone recognizes the individual captured on the surveillance footage leaving Nine8 Comics and Games, they are urged to assist law enforcement by contacting the West Sacramento Crime tip hotline at (916) 617-4747 or the text/multimedia hotline at 916-964-8477.
How does Christopher Aliano perceive the impact of rising criminal activity on the comic shop community?
**Interview with Christopher Aliano, Owner of Nine8 Comics and Games**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Christopher. Can you tell us a bit about the recent break-in at your store?
**Christopher Aliano:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. We experienced a burglary early in the morning on November 25, 2024, around 3:30 a.m. The intruders smashed through our front door and stole approximately $1,000 worth of collectible booster packs from our shelves.
**Interviewer:** That sounds incredibly distressing. How do you feel about the amount they managed to take compared to what could have been?
**Christopher Aliano:** Honestly, I’m just grateful it wasn’t worse. While losing $1,000 is certainly disappointing, it could have been a lot more devastating. If our higher-value items had been easily accessible, they might have made off with $10,000 or more. It definitely puts things into perspective.
**Interviewer:** With the rise in criminal activity targeting comic stores like yours, how have you adjusted your security measures?
**Christopher Aliano:** We’ve implemented stricter security protocols in response to this increasing threat. One of the main steps we’ve taken is to keep all high-value items locked away overnight. This was a tough decision, as we want to display our collectibles, but securing them is a priority to protect our business and customers.
**Interviewer:** Given this trend, how do you feel it affects the community and the culture around comic shops?
**Christopher Aliano:** It’s troubling. Comic shops are more than just retail spaces; they’re community hubs for collectors and fans. When incidents like this happen, it creates a sense of unease among both shop owners and the customers who rely on these spaces for connection and passion. We’re all keeping a watchful eye on each other, but it does take some of the enjoyment out of the experience.
**Interviewer:** What advice would you give to other comic store owners facing similar risks?
**Christopher Aliano:** Definitely invest in security measures—surveillance systems, alarm systems, and possibly even working with local law enforcement for increased patrols in your area. Also, fostering a relationship with your community can help; knowing your regular customers and engaging with them can create a supportive environment that is less attractive to criminals.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Christopher, for sharing your insights and experiences. We hope for safer days ahead for your store and the community as a whole.
**Christopher Aliano:** Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this, and I hope it helps others in our industry stay alert and safe.