Florida Thieves Cut Hole in Mall Roof to Steal $50,000 in Nike and New Balance Sneakers
JENSEN BEACH, FLORIDA – In a scene straight out of a heist movie, thieves cut a hole through the roof of a Florida mall and made off with more than $50,000 worth of high-end sneakers, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said the burglary took place at a Champs Sports store inside Treasure Coast Mall in Jensen Beach. Investigators believe the suspects entered through a hole cut above the store’s storage area, where they loaded up on Nike and New Balance sneakers before escaping with hundreds of pairs.
Thieves Targeted Back Storage Room
Detectives said the burglars appeared to know exactly where to go once inside. They bypassed the sales floor entirely, cutting directly over the back storage room, where the most valuable merchandise was kept.
According to early estimates, between 400 and 500 pairs of shoes were stolen. Deputies said the thieves bagged and tagged the boxes, then threw them through the roof opening to an awaiting getaway vehicle.
“The stolen merchandise was bagged, tagged, thrown off the roof, and loaded into a getaway vehicle,” a sheriff’s spokesperson said. “As you can see, some of the goods got hastily left behind.”
Investigation Points to Organized Operation
Photos released by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office show a gaping hole in the ceiling above stacks of red Nike boxes — and piles of discarded shoes scattered across the floor. Investigators believe the crime was highly coordinated, likely involving multiple suspects and a lookout team.
Authorities are reviewing mall security footage and have asked nearby businesses to check surveillance video for any suspicious vehicles in the early morning hours.
“This wasn’t a quick grab-and-go,” investigators said. “They took time and had tools ready — they came to steal, not to shop.”
Ongoing Investigation
The sheriff’s office says no arrests have been made yet but described the suspects as experienced thieves familiar with commercial rooftop entries. Detectives are also checking for connections to similar rooftop burglaries reported in other parts of Florida.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Martin County Sheriff’s Office or submit an anonymous tip via Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers.
Stay with SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com for updates as authorities continue tracking down the suspects behind this daring sneaker heist.
