Coral Springs Target experiences surge in theft with four suspects arrested in early September
Coral Springs, Florida – A Coral Springs Target store has seen a sharp increase in thefts this month, resulting in multiple arrests and the recovery of thousands of dollars’ worth of stolen merchandise. Law enforcement officials report that four individuals were taken into custody between Sept. 4 and Sept. 13 in connection with thefts at the 4400 North State Road 7 location.
The string of incidents began on Sept. 4, when Tina Lexius, 38, of Margate, was arrested after failing to scan items at self-checkout and leaving the store with merchandise valued at $884.39. According to the arrest report, Lexius was stopped in the parking lot and charged with grand theft between $751 and $5,000.
Only a few days later, on Sept. 9, Jaden Mieles, 21, of Orlando, was apprehended after store loss prevention staff observed him concealing electronics and exiting the store without paying. Officers detained Mieles nearby and recovered $1,189.76 in stolen merchandise, leading to a charge of grand theft.
The following day, Sept. 10, police arrested Messiah Meade, 39, of Coral Springs, after he allegedly stuffed clothing into two backpacks in the men’s department and attempted to leave without paying. Authorities recovered goods valued at $625.31, and Meade was charged with petit theft in the second degree.
The most recent arrest occurred on Sept. 13, when Porsha Smith, 36, of Oakland Park, was seen by witnesses loading a cart with a large amount of merchandise and attempting to leave without paying. Officers recovered $1,114.97 in stolen items, and Smith reportedly told police she needed money and clothes, admitting she planned to resell some of the goods. She was charged with grand theft.
In total, the thefts over this ten-day period amounted to more than $3,800 in recovered merchandise, highlighting a concerning trend at the Coral Springs Target. All four suspects were taken to Broward County Main Jail, and Target has confirmed it intends to prosecute each case.
Local authorities emphasize that the store’s loss prevention team played a key role in identifying and apprehending the suspects, preventing further losses. The arrests reflect a combination of proactive monitoring by store staff and swift police response.
Target officials continue to remind shoppers that theft will not be tolerated and that store security measures are in place to protect both merchandise and the shopping environment. Customers are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to store personnel or law enforcement immediately.
With the recent arrests and recovered merchandise, the Coral Springs Target aims to restore a safe shopping experience for its patrons while pursuing legal action against those involved in the recent thefts. The case serves as a reminder that organized theft can have significant consequences, and the community plays a role in helping prevent such incidents.
