EVERETT, Wash. — Quinceañera gowns — known for their sparkle, elegance, and price tags that can reach thousands of dollars — are now at the center of a troubling pattern of thefts across western Washington.

KING 5 spoke with six boutique owners who say a group of women, often accompanied by children, has been targeting their stores in what appears to be a coordinated series of robberies.

Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts during the week of Sept. 8 suggest the incidents may be connected.

One of the thefts happened on Sept. 9 at Las Tres Beautifuls Boutique in Everett. Eli Vazquez, the owner's daughter, says four women entered the store with two young children and stole a gown priced at more than $2,000.

Vazquez, who was working alone, says two women carrying children entered

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