New 108" Inflatable SpongeBob Square Pants

Who’s stealing SpongeBob? Authorities are baffled

Dozens of 9-foot-tall SpongeBob SquarePants balloons have been stolen from the roofs of Burger Kings from Florida to Utah since the release of the famous cartoon character’s hit movie, authorities said.

The balloons started appearing at fast-food restaurants in a promotional tie-in with his movie Nov. 11. A Burger King near Palatka, south of Jacksonville, is among the latest to report the theft of the $500 balloon.

As part of the promotion, hundreds of inflatable SpongeBobs weighing 50 pounds were ordered for restaurants nationwide. The animated movie and TV star is featured on Burger King children’s meals, watches and toys.

A SpongeBob SquarePants figure sits on the roof of a Burger King in Miami on Wednesday. They have been stolen from other Burger King restaurants. “They will show up in fraternity houses for sure,” one student of pop culture said.