Two businesses at The Shops at Willow Bend were burglarized after closing, with one store owner estimating that more than $50,000 in merchandise was stolen.
Cutlery Collection owner Karl Monk said thieves broke into his store around 1 a.m. Monday after cutting through an additional security chain on the storefront door.
The burglars took swords, hunting knives, collectible and antique knives, and other merchandise. Monk said the store’s workshop and backroom were also ransacked.
Cutlery Store Loses Thousands in Merchandise
Among the unusual items stolen was the helmet from “Rusty,” a suit of armor displayed in the front window.
“I’ve got a suit of armor with no helmet now,” Monk said, per NBC 5 DFW.
Monk said he believes the store lost roughly $50,000 in merchandise. He also expressed frustration over mall security, saying security measures have been reduced as more retailers have left the property.
Cutlery Collection remains open.
Second Business Also Burglarized
Pipe & Palette, an art-focused event business at the mall, was also burglarized, according to its owner and police.
Owner June Parker said the business lost more than $8,000. She questioned how long the break-in went unnoticed.
“It was just like, wow, like a bomb went off,” Parker said, NBC 5 reported.
Plano police are investigating the burglaries through the department’s burglary unit. No suspects have been identified.
Mall Nears Major Redevelopment
The burglaries come as The Shops at Willow Bend approaches a major redevelopment.
The mall is scheduled to be demolished in 2027 to make way for a new arena for the Dallas Stars. The team selected the property for its future home in June and later selected a design firm for the arena and surrounding entertainment district.
Many retailers have already left the mall, leaving only a small number of businesses operating at the property.
Pipe & Palette plans to move to a new location next month, while Cutlery Collection will remain open.
The mall’s owner has said safety and security remain a priority. Business owners, however, have raised concerns about security during the transition and redevelopment process.
Provided by Dallas Express
