Halton Police have arrested two suspects and laid dozens of charges following a months-long investigation into a series of brazen thefts targeting mausoleums and cemeteries across south Halton and the GTA.
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) held a press conference in Oakville this morning, sharing a long list of details regarding what authorities have called a "deeply concerning" case.
Over the past number of months, police say they believe the thieves have committed more than 300 thefts from cremation niches in Oakville, Burlington, Toronto, and the Niagara region.
According to police, many of the thefts involved decorative cremation urns, keepsakes, jewelry and other valuables from grieving families’ memorial spaces.
The mausoleums targeted in Halton include:
- Glen Oaks Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery in Oakville
- Bayview Cemetery and Crematorium in Burlington
- Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Burlington.
At the press conference, the Halton Police displayed nearly 600 pieces of stolen property they say were taken from mausoleums.
"On behalf of the HRPS, we would like to recognize that the thefts we are discussing today are not simply property crimes," said Media Relations Officer Ryan Anderson. "They represent a violation of sacred spaces meant for remembrance respect and peace.
"Our hearts go out to the families that have had to endure additional pain during what are already times of loss and reflection."
On November 7, HRPS officers executed a search warrant at a motel in Niagara Falls along with an associated vehicle.
The warrants resulted in the arrests of two suspects and recovery of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry and other stolen property.
Police say the accused would attend a cemetery and enter the mausoleums during daytime hours. In some cases, police say they posed as grieving family members and would tour the premises before committing their offences.
Once the two were inside, police say they would use a tool to unlock niche compartments and steal jewelry or other valuables. According to police, their methods made it very difficult to detect because they would unlock the compartments without any visible damage.
Police say the stolen jewelry was then sold at pawnshops or through private sales, and in some instances the stolen goods would be melted down.
According to police, the accused would also dump the ashes of loved ones.
"These crimes are deeply disturbing and strike at the heart of our community’s sense of dignity and compassion," said Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie. "To violate spaces meant for remembrance and peace is both callous and reprehensible. Our thoughts are with the families who have been impacted by these thefts."
He continued, "I want to commend our investigators for their tireless work in identifying those responsible and recovering stolen property. We remain committed to supporting affected families and ensuring those responsible are held fully accountable."
John Ruch (45, male), of no fixed address, has been charged with 28 offences, including:
- Indignity to a Dead Body (3 counts)
- Theft Under $5,000 (19 counts)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
- Possession of Break-In Instruments
- Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon
- Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 (3 counts)
Jordan Noble (31, female), of no fixed address, has been charged with 25 offences, including:
- Indignity to a Dead Body (3 counts)
- Theft Under $5,000 (19 counts)
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
- Possession of Break-In Instruments
- Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon
Halton Police also confirmed at the press conference that both accused were out on release for theft charges.
The accused individuals were held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.
Police anticipate additional charges as investigators are working to identify further victims, catalogue the recovered property and return items to affected families.
Police are encouraging anyone who believes they may have had something stolen from their niche to contact investigators by email at mausoleumthefts@haltonpolice.
Anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to contact the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777, ext. 2216.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
The HRPS was assisted by the Niagara Regional Police Service, Hamilton Police Service and Toronto Police Service in this investigation.