Halton police have apprehended a man and a woman in connection with more than 300 theft incidents at mausoleums and cemeteries throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Following an extensive investigation into a string of thefts at cremation niches containing remains in Oakville, Burlington, Toronto, and the Niagara Region, the two suspects now face numerous charges, as stated by investigators in a press release.
The culprits specifically targeted jewelry, decorative cremation urns, keepsakes, and other valuable items typically found in cremation niches, according to the press release.
A total of eight locations, including a mausoleum in Oakville and two others in Burlington, were impacted by the thefts, as per the police report.
On November 7, a 45-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, both without a fixed address, were apprehended at a Niagara Falls motel by officers.
Police recovered thousands of dollars worth of jewelry and stolen items during a search of the motel and a vehicle. However, investigators suspect that many valuables may have already been sold, with some families possibly unaware of their mausoleum niche being targeted.
The male suspect is facing 28 charges, including three counts of indignity to a dead body and 19 counts of theft under $5,000, while the female suspect is facing 25 charges, including 19 counts of theft under $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime.
As investigators continue to examine the recovered items and identify additional victims, police anticipate laying more charges. The man and woman are currently in custody awaiting a bail hearing in Milton.
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Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie, speaking at a press conference, revealed that the arrested duo allegedly masqueraded as grieving family members to tour mausoleums and deceive property managers before committing the thefts.
Wilkie described the thefts as happening mainly during daylight hours and involving tools that unlocked niches with minimal damage, making detection challenging.
The stolen items were reportedly sold at pawnshops or through private sales, according to the press release.
Among the missing valuables were necklaces and other jewelry containing human remains, which the thieves discarded after the thefts, police stated.
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