Professional burglars targeted the Champs Sports store at Treasure Coast Square mall in Jensen Beach, executing a sophisticated burglary by cutting a hole through the concrete roof and stealing between 400 and 500 boxes of Nike and New Balance shoes valued at $40,000 to $50,000, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. The incident has raised concerns about security measures at large retail centers across the Treasure Coast, especially after recent storage unit burglary sprees in Port St. Lucie that have highlighted vulnerabilities in commercial properties.
Treasure Coast Square Mall Burglary: Organized Entry Through Roof
According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, the burglary at Treasure Coast Square mall occurred between midnight and 8 a.m. on October 21, 2025. Deputies responded to a report of a break-in at the Champs Sports store just after 9 a.m., after a store employee discovered missing merchandise and a large hole in the ceiling leading to the roof.
Sheriff John Budensiek described the operation as highly organized and professional. “These suspects were organized, professional criminals — not kids from down the road. They knew what they were doing,” Budensiek stated, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
How the Burglars Executed the Heist at Treasure Coast Square Mall
Investigators reported that the group of burglars spent hours cutting through multiple layers of roofing material, including cement board, insulation, and sheet metal. The suspects entered the store by dropping through the precisely cut hole in the roof, bypassing traditional entry points.
According to the incident report, the suspects bagged and tagged hundreds of shoe boxes, then threw them off the roof to a waiting vehicle. Photos from the scene show scattered boxes and merchandise, indicating a rushed escape. This method of operation is reminiscent of other high-value thefts in the region, such as the $100,000 in AC equipment theft from a Port St. Lucie construction site, where thieves also demonstrated careful planning and execution.
Security System Limitations at Champs Sports
The store’s alarm system did not trigger during the burglary. According to Sheriff Budensiek, the only alarms were located at the front wire gate and the back door. While a motion sensor camera was activated, it did not alert the alarm company or prompt a response.
Officials have not found evidence suggesting the burglary was an inside job. The Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division continues to investigate, and details may be updated as the investigation continues.
Value and Handling of Stolen Merchandise
The stolen merchandise included between 400 and 500 boxes of Nike and New Balance shoes, valued at approximately $40,000 to $50,000, according to Sheriff Budensiek. The shoes were removed from the store, bagged, and thrown from the roof to be loaded into a vehicle, as reported by sheriff’s officials on social media.
Repair and Mall Management Response
The responsibility for repairing the roof was turned over to Simon Property Group, the company that manages Treasure Coast Square mall. Contractors are expected to begin repairs immediately, according to officials.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Assistance
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the burglary. They are asking anyone with information, or who may have seen suspicious activity in or around the mall between midnight and 8 a.m. on October 21, to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 772-220-7060 or Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-TIPS. The public’s help has been crucial in similar cases, such as when Port St. Lucie police sought suspects in a $70,000 Wells Fargo cardholder fraud, demonstrating the value of community vigilance.
Officials emphasized that the investigation remains open, and additional details may emerge as detectives continue their work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Treasure Coast Square Mall Burglary
What happened during the Treasure Coast Square mall burglary?
According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, a group of organized burglars cut a hole in the roof of Champs Sports at Treasure Coast Square mall and stole hundreds of boxes of shoes worth up to $50,000.
How did the burglars enter the Champs Sports store?
Officials reported that the suspects used tools to cut through the concrete roof, then dropped into the store from above, bypassing the front and back entrances.
How much merchandise was stolen in the burglary?
The Sheriff’s Office stated that between 400 and 500 boxes of Nike and New Balance shoes, valued at $40,000 to $50,000, were taken during the incident.
Were any alarms triggered during the break-in?
According to Sheriff Budensiek, the store’s alarm system only covered the front gate and back door, so no alarms were triggered when the burglars entered through the roof.
Can you report tips about the Treasure Coast Square mall burglary?
Yes, anyone with information is urged to contact the Martin County Sheriff’s Office at 772-220-7060 or Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-TIPS.
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