The theft happened shortly after midnight on Saturday at the Renaissance Banquet in Glendale, California, where George and Nadeen Farahat were celebrating their marriage with almost 300 guests
A bride’s dream wedding swiftly transformed into a nightmare when a burglar escaped with nearly £75,000 (US$100,000) in presents from her extravagant reception – leaving her weeping on the dance floor.
The appalling robbery occurred just after midnight on Saturday at the Renaissance Banquet in Glendale, California, where George and Nadeen Farahat were celebrating with almost 300 guests. CCTV footage captured the moment an unknown man in black seized a box filled with cash, cheques and gift cards before bolting from the venue.
The perpetrator had allegedly lingered for approximately 90 minutes within the main hall, and was spotted prowling the corridors with a mobile phone clutched in his hand, even getting a drink at the bar before sneaking into the ballroom.
Guests looked on in shock as he snatched the box from the dance floor and escaped.
The groom said: “It’s very brave. I think he even tipped the bartender.”
Outside, footage showed the man racing away in a black Mercedes Benz. The newlyweds revealed that most of their presents were cash or cheques valued at roughly $80,000 to $100,000 (£60,000 – £75,000) gathered in a single box following Middle Eastern custom, reports the Mirror.
George said: “We had a wonderful ceremony at our church, we had a really fun party with our family and friends to celebrate until the incident.”
Nadeen was left in floods of tears upon discovering what had occurred. She said: “As soon as we found out what happened, you know, the music shut down, everything immediately stopped. I ended up sitting on the dance floor sobbing with my friends and cousins around me.”
A close mate captured the theft on camera, making the pair aware of the appalling incident.
Despite the newlyweds having arranged additional security, the burglar managed to sneak past without detection.
The couple have since lodged a police complaint and are providing a $5,000 reward for any details that lead to the culprit’s capture.
Nadeen explained that the episode has cast a shadow over what should have been a blissful occasion.
The bride said: “It’s such a memorable and happy day that you’re having so much fun. You don’t think about this stuff. It’s the last thing that could’ve been on anyone’s mind.”
The theft happened shortly after midnight on Saturday at the Renaissance Banquet in Glendale, California, where George and Nadeen Farahat were celebrating their marriage with almost 300 guests
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