GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. – In Clay County, Cowabunga Comics became the latest target in a growing trend of burglaries aimed at collectible shops.
The Green Cove Springs store was broken into around 6 a.m. on Monday, with the burglar taking less than a minute to steal select items.
“I’m angry,” Beth Baxter said.
Baxter and her husband opened the store just over three years ago.
She was heading into work when she saw the lock on the door had been taken out.
“It felt a little violating,” she said.
Baxter said that the stolen goods were primarily graded comic books. These books are encased and given numerical grades based on condition. The higher the score the higher the price on the resale market.
This crime is not an isolated incident.
At least four other collectible shops in the Jacksonville area have reported similar burglaries in recent months.
Mythical Mountain in Jacksonville said it had thousands of dollars worth of collectibles stolen just before the end of the year.
But owners like Baxter are remaining optimistic despite the setback, noting that upcoming events like MegaCon in Orlando provide an opportunity for recovery.
“We’re gonna get this guy,” she said. “But it could’ve been so much worse. I’m just thankful we still have the doors open.”
News4JAX Crime and Safety Analyst Tom Hackney suggested practical steps for shop owners to deter future thefts. His tips include removing high-value items from display after hours and ensuring alarm systems are operational.
The Green Cove Springs Police Department posted a message on Facebook about the burglary.
Law enforcement is investigating potential connections to some of the similar burglaries.
Anyone with information on any of the incidents is encouraged to contact 904-297-7300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-854-TIPS(8477).