JENSEN BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — In a scene straight out of a heist movie, thieves sliced through the concrete roof of the Treasure Coast Square shopping mall, broke into a Champs Sporting Goods store, and vanished with hundreds of pairs of Nike sneakers.
The elaborate rooftop burglary unfolded sometime between midnight and 8 a.m. Tuesday morning, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).
Investigators say the suspects dropped into the store from above, bagged and tagged the merchandise, then tossed it back through the roof opening to be loaded into a getaway vehicle. Some of the stolen goods were left behind in the rush, hinting at the scale — and speed — of the operation.
Photos from the scene show scattered boxes and merchandise left behind, offering a glimpse into the chaos of the escape.
Photos from the scene show scattered boxes and merchandise left behind, offering a glimpse into the chaos of the escape. (MCSO)
“Not quite the Crown Jewels — but it’s clear these sneaker thieves put the same,” the sheriff’s office stated. “Now it’s our detectives’ turn to track them down.”
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Detectives said they are reviewing surveillance footage and canvassing the area for leads.
MCSO’s Criminal Investigations Division is actively working the case and asking for the public’s help. Anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious near the mall during the early morning hours is urged to call 772-220-7060 or Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-TIPS (8477).
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