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A popular trading-card game rooted in a fantasy storyline is becoming a target of thieves at Edmonton comic-book stores.

The recent thefts of Magic: The Gathering cards has gaming and collectible store owners trying to co-operate to stop further losses.

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“Magic is a very easy currency to move. The cards themselves hold a lot of value,” said Jeremy Brandy, general manager of the Wizard’s Comics and Collectibles location in Old Strathcona. “You can buy a $100 box and get cards in it that are worth $100 to $200 a piece.”

A typical bundle containing about 230 cards sells for $54 at one Edmonton store and $40 online.

In some recent thefts, stores are falling victim to credit-card fraud.

Staff at the Wizard’s store learned earlier this year that a shopper was using stolen credit cards to purchase packs of cards. That meant the small business had to cover the cost of about $2,000, Brandy said.

Police investigating

That same man is believed to have stolen cards at Red Claw Gaming on the north side. When his card was declined, he grabbed boxes of the cards and ran. Wizard’s snapped a few photos of the man and the Edmonton Police Service is investigating, said spokeswoman Noreen Remtulla.