Dozens of wedding gowns stolen from Lynnwood boutique

LYNNWOOD — Phones rang off the hook Friday morning at the Brides and Beyond boutique as fearful fiancees called to find out if they still have a gown.

The Lynnwood shop was broken into between 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and 3:30 p.m. Thursday. Dozens of gowns and records were stolen as well as customer contact information.

The shop’s owners came in on the Fourth of July to catch up on some work when they noticed a loose handle on one of the front doors. They immediately knew something was wrong, Lynnwood Police Cmdr. Sean Doty said. The store was left in shambles.

“In addition to the theft, they did a number on the place,” Doty said. “It was a little overboard.”

Friday morning, owner Mary Dlaikan was still picking up dresses from the floor.

Dlaikan estimated thieves took 20 to 30 dresses, her laptop and jewelry from a glass case that had been emptied.

Without her laptop, which held store records, Dlaikan said she has no way of knowing whose dresses have been taken. She’s also unable to contact brides.

Police found some discarded items next to a nearby dumpster, including a garment bag containing tools that authorities suspect may have been used in the burglary, Doty said. The tools are being processed for evidence.

Brides and Beyond does not have surveillance cameras. Officers plan to comb nearby businesses for video that may have caught the crime, Doty said.

With five weddings planned this month, she’s concerned the burglary will leave brides without a wedding gown.

Brides and Beyond includes a retail boutique and an alterations shop, Pro-Fit Tailoring, both at 19725 40th Ave. W. Merchandise was stolen from both businesses.

Dlaikan asks that Pro-Fit Tailoring customers call 425-744-0666 and Brides and Beyond customers call 425-275-7521 to check on their gowns.

Additional reporting by Sue Misao.

Julia-Grace Sanders: 425-339-3439; jgsanders@heraldnet.com.