Two people charged in hundreds of mausoleum, cemetery thefts in Ontario
Written by The Canadian Press on November 17, 2025
Two people have been charged in a spate of mausoleum and cemetery thefts in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and the Niagara region.
Halton police say they investigated more than 300 thefts over the last two months in which thieves targeted jewelry, decorative cremation urns, keepsakes and other valuables.
Police say eight mausoleums and cemeteries were targeted during daytime hours, and thieves tricked property managers by posing as grieving family members wishing to tour the premises.
They say the suspects used tools to unlock and open niches without causing visible damage.
A 45-year-old man and 31-year-old woman were arrested and charged with dozens of offences including indignity to a dead body, theft under $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime.
Police say officers arrested the two accused at a motel in Niagara Falls, Ont., on Nov. 7.
Police say they searched the motel and a vehicle, resulting in the recovery of thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry and other stolen property.
They say officers seized 600 stolen items.
Police say the crimes have caused intense emotional pain and heartbreak for the families who have experienced feelings of violation, anger and a resurgence of grief.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 17, 2025.
The Canadian Press