SAN ANTONIO – A small business in San Antonio is trying to recover from a robbery early Saturday morning. TCG Exchange specializes in in-game trading cards. Now the owner is figuring out how to keep the business afloat.

“They came here and just started taking stuff. We currently estimate the value of the goods to be about $15,000,” said Joe Adam, owner of TCG Exchange.

Adam said his security cameras caught movement early Saturday morning. He immediately called San Antonio police. In the eight minutes it took officers to respond, the thieves stole thousands of dollars worth of merchandise.

“I don’t like to show my emotions, but that’s what kept me going. It keeps me going. They’re strong and there’s plenty of time,” Adam said.

Adam controlled his emotions and said he could only thank his customers and the community for all the support he had received. According to Adam, from the security camera footage, it seemed as though the thieves knew how valuable their loot was.

“It seemed like they knew what they wanted, so they most likely did their homework. They’ve been here before and I’m sure they’re probably the ones who have done it with other stores as well,” Adam said.

Hoping to get information that could lead to the thieves’ arrest, Adam shared the surveillance video on social media. Adam said he couldn’t believe what happened next.

“People came in, customers came in and donated cards, donated products to resell to kind of recoup the money, and I’m just very grateful for that,” Adam said.

The trading card community and other trading card companies have reached out to Adam to show their support. Adam said he was speechless because people have also donated items to restock and keep the business afloat.

Adam said he hoped for improved security measures in the region.

“Maybe more street lights and maybe more police in the area to prevent things like burglaries,” Adam said.