Thief uses sledgehammer to smash open Rolex case at Belk in SouthPark Mall

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is actively searching for a brazen thief who stole a high-end luxury watch valued at $50,000 from the Belk department store at SouthPark Mall.

According to police reports, the suspect entered the department store during business hours and walked directly to the jewelry section. Armed with a sledgehammer, the individual shattered the security glass of a display case containing Rolex timepieces. The suspect snatched the watch from the broken case and ran out of the store before staff or security personnel could intervene.

Surveillance cameras captured the entire incident, showing the suspect wearing a mask and dark clothing. CMPD investigators have released portions of the footage in hopes that the public can help identify the suspect. Security has been heightened at the mall following this bold daytime theft.

Retail theft of high-end items remains a significant challenge for luxury retailers. Anyone with information about the suspect or the location of the stolen watch is urged to call the CMPD or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.