Collectors shop Card Empire has issued an appeal to help find two men who stole over £20,000 worth of Pokémon cards from the premises last week.
An Afflecks institution since 2005, the collectors shop that specialises in Yu-Gi-Oh! and Pokémon memorabilia had an estimated £20k worth of cards nicked from their shop situated on the first floor of the popular indoor market and emporium.
Card Empire has two other locations across the UK, one in Stockport and another in Liverpool, but it was their Manchester city centre site that was hit by two individuals who simply walked in and walked out with the expensive collection of cards whilst the staff were bust with customers.
The owners shared multiple CCTV videos of the large box of 4000 cards being swiped from the desk on 17 May at around 3:30pm.
Card Empire is now asking anyone with information or who might recognise the two individuals to come forward and help them recover the stolen cards.
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Writing in the Facebook post, store manager Anthony said that “the police have been informed, and because of the value of the cards it is being treated as a burglary by the police which will result in prison sentences.
“I’d like everyone to take a look and see if you know who these two are. They are clearly working together. We of course would like to get our property back but any information identifying these two would be much appreciated.”
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He then went on to add: “To the thieves, you have 7 days to return the box before I make it my mission to see you behind bars.” The appeal from the store has even led other members from the international Pokémon community, with US YouTube content creator Rattle Pokemon sharing the following video:
‘Rattle’ has posted several videos on his channel trying to help traders recover their stolen Pokémon cards.
The video above was also shared on the r/manchester subreddit too, with the comments section full of people full of sympathy for the family-run business.
If you happen to recognise the two suspects, you can get in touch with Card Empire directly via their website, through their social media or by calling 07982 232437.
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You can contact the police directly by calling 101 to help report any information related to the crime.
Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed that seven in 10 NHS workers believe the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic if one should arise.
After the recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent last month raised the conversation of mass contagion once again, of course following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new YouGov survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers has now uncovered how well prepared staff in the health service think it is for another global pandemic.
The results show that 69% of staff surveyed think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic, and to make matters worse, 26% of those even say it’s ‘very poorly’ prepared.
Only one in five (22%) think the NHS is could properly handle another pandemic, but statistically, YouGov claims none of those surveyed said it’s ‘very well’ prepared.
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic / Credit: Pxhere | Rawpixel
When workers were asked how the NHS’s level of preparedness now compares to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% did concede that they think it is better prepared now than 2020, however 37% admitted they think it’s no better prepared.
16% actively think it’s less well-prepared now than it was prior to 2020.
This marked a new era of ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ in the NHS, with the league tables delivering on the Government’s promise to drive up standards, tackle variation in care, and ensure people get the high-quality service they rightly expect.
Every trust in England – from urgent and emergency care, through to elective operations and mental health services – will now be ranked quarterly against ‘clear and consistent’ standards.
Danny Jones -
26th May 2023 
