Pickleball Paddle Theft Hits D.C.-Area Sports Shops

A recent string of pickleball paddle thefts has struck D.C.-area sports shops, highlighting the sport's surging popularity and the growing demand for equipment. Shops like Tennis Zone Plus in D.C., Alpine Ski Shop in Virginia, and Tennis Topia in Rockville have collectively lost thousands of dollars worth of paddles, with Tennis Topia alone reporting $4,500 in stolen merchandise. This local issue reflects a national trend, as seen with a $30,000 paddle theft in Colorado earlier this year.

Pickleball paddles, being lightweight, flat, and easily concealable, have become a prime target for thieves. High-end paddles can sell for over $250, making them lucrative items to resell online. Tyler Bunch, co-owner of Alpine Ski Shop, noted the ease with which these stolen paddles can be sold on platforms like eBay or Craigslist. Despite suspicions that the same group of individuals is responsible for multiple thefts, local police have yet to confirm this.

As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, the accompanying increase in equipment theft is a concern for local businesses. These thefts not only impact the shops but also disrupt the pickleball community that relies on these stores for their gear.