Hot Square Pants Disappear

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) – 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.

"We don’t have any theories. SpongeBob SquarePants is kind of a fad. It
could be a childhood prank or an adult trying to get a fad item for Christmas," Sheriff’s
Lt. Steve Rose said Wednesday. "If any leads come across, we will follow
up in hopes of making an arrest."

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. The company is offering a
reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible – a month’s
supply of free Whoppers!

Isn’t this something like stealing the Mona Lisa? Anyone
you show it to could be the person who turns you in….

from AP News