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Thieves steal glass art from Federal Way head shop

Three thieves stole thousands of dollars of hand-blown glass art in a smash and grab at a Federal Way head shop.

Surveillance video shows one masked man using a hatchet to smash open the display cases at Mary Jane's House of Glass early Thursday morning. Another masked thief, carrying a duffel bag, stuffs his bag full of glass while the other two suspects run to the back of the store.

“They knew what they were coming in for and got out pretty quick unfortunately,” employee Dylan Wilson said.

Wilson said the shop carries hand-blown glass pipes and bongs made from local artists in the Pacific Northwest. Some of the items taken cost thousands of dollars each.

The thieves broke through the glass of the store to get in.

After breaking in, Wilson said the crooks were strategic and targeted the most expensive pieces.

“I'm pretty sure they've been scoping the place out the last couple of weeks,” he said. “We've been helping them. We just haven’t known they would be doing this obviously.”

Wilson said the break-in cost the store $30,000 in stolen and damaged items.

“Some of the things taken we won’t be able to ever get back again because a lot of it is one-of-a-kind artwork,” Wilson explained.

He's hoping someone will come forward and help identify the trio.

He's also keeping a close eye on social media.

“Hopefully the community can help out, too,” Wilson added. “The glass could actually be posted online. I'm personally watching for that as well. A lot of people will post on Instagram when they try to sell it, or show it off.”

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