Wedding party robbed at the Arch, "irreplaceable" dresses stolen

A family in town celebrating a wedding had items taken from their rental car Sunday including "irreplaceable" dresses worn at the wedding.



Mike Sweeney and Irene Wan were married in Forest Park this past Saturday and celebrated afterwards at a downtown venue celebrating their marriage and their city, they say.

Sunday, Irene's family from South Korea made a stop at the Arch on their way out of town around 12:30 in the afternoon. They parked near Pine Street and Memorial Drive, and when they returned to the car, they found nearly everything inside stolen.

Their luggage, passports, money, jewelry, electronics and five specially made gowns from South Korea were all gone.

They're very specific, and have a lot of cultural significance," says Irene fighting back tears. "And they might not get that back."

Mike and Irene are hoping someone will spot the gowns and help return them.


With the redesign of the Arch grounds the old parking garage is gone. The plan is to have people park in downtown and the group Downtown STL recommends lots and garages with the circular "P" signs. They say that's seal of approval for lighting and security.