A big-time Warhammer theft hits again—this time in Cary, NC, where a man used children as a distraction to steal thousands in toys and miniatures.
If you hang around hobby shops long enough, you hear some wild stories. But this one? It’s straight-up jaw-dropping. Matthew Ray White of Southern Pines is facing 12 larceny charges after allegedly stealing nearly $11,000 worth of Warhammer and other collectibles from Hangar 18 Hobbies in Cary, North Carolina.
Here’s the latest on this wild theft.
Another Warhammer Heist:
There is a bit of a twist to this Warhammer Heist: police say he brought kids with him to pull it off. While the little ones distracted the staff, White was caught on surveillance shoveling figures into a tackle box. This wasn’t a one-time hit either—he apparently hit the shop multiple times over several months.
Among the loot? Plenty of AoS, 40k, and even some Old World kits. If you’re playing Warhammer, you know how quickly those prices can add up.
Hangar 18: A Store That Deserves Better
We’ve been to Hangar 18 Hobbies a bunch of times. Friendly folks, solid selection, and a shop that actually supports the local gaming scene. It stings to see a place like that get hit so hard.
And get this: TJ, the same guy who managed the Games Workshop Pinecrest Point location that won Store of the Year back in 2018? He’s now at Hangar 18 too. If you’ve met him, you know the store’s in good hands. That kind of leadership doesn’t grow on trees.
This Isn’t the First Time – Warhammer Theft Is a Growing Issue
Hate to say it, but this kind of theft isn’t rare anymore. Not long ago, we covered another case where a student in the UK stole over $8,000 in Warhammer gear to feed a hobby addiction. Same story—big money, big losses, same little plastic warriors. If you missed that one, catch the details here!
Why does this keep happening? Warhammer kits, especially limited editions or large sets, hold serious value—sometimes even more than high-end electronics. A few boxes can be worth thousands, and they’re pretty easy to flip online.
What This Means for Your Local Game Store
Hobby stores aren’t big chains with billion-dollar security budgets. They’re usually held together by passion, a skeleton crew, and sheer force of will. When theft like this happens, it doesn’t just hurt the bottom line—it shakes the trust in the community.
If you’ve got a favorite local shop, it’s never too late to show some support. Swing by, grab a model you’ve been eyeing, or just check in. A little love goes a long way when stores are dealing with this kind of nonsense.
Final Thoughts From Us
Using kids as pawns in a miniatures heist? That’s low. Like, Goblin-level low.
It’s a reminder that this hobby isn’t just about collecting or gaming—it’s about community. And that community works best when we look out for each other, call out the nonsense, and keep our local shops thriving.
