Thieves crash wedding reception

HOUSTON – A couple said someone stole all of their gift cards and cash from their wedding reception.

Saturday, June 8 was supposed to be the night that Austin O'Krinsky and his new bride remembered forever. But now it's memorable for more than one reason. After their reception, O'Krinsky and his wedding party discovered a theft.

"Everything on the table where the presents were was just gone," O'Krinsky. "There was a few boxes from big presents people left. There was a little bird cage where people stuffed envelopes of cash, gift cards, but it was just all gone."

He said about 300 people attended their reception at the Junior League of Houston on Briar Oaks near the West Loop. He estimated thieves stole $15,000 to $20,000 in cash and gift cards.

"No one could figure out who it was, and no one could take responsibility so they started calling and trying to cancel gift cards and stuff, and that's when they found there was a target gift card used," O'Krinsky told Local 2.

Through Crime Stoppers of Houston, Houston police released surveillance pictures of two men they said used two of the stolen gift cards the day after the wedding. 

Surveillance cameras at the Target store on Sawyer near the Katy Freeway captured the images in the moments after police said the two cards were used. 

Police said managers at the reception hall told them the men on the surveillance video did not work at the facility.

The Junior League of Houston released a statement which read:

"The Junior League is taking this matter seriously.  The League has assisted the authorities in the investigation.  The authorities have confirmed that no person employed by the League was responsible.  The League will continue to work with the authorities as needed.  Thank you."

If anyone recognizes the men in the video, they are urged to call Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS. You can remain anonymous and could earn a cash reward.