Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie of Halton Regional Police pictured with items stolen from cemeteries.
A couple is facing multiple charges, including committing an indignity to a dead body, after a series of crimes targeting cemeteries and mausoleums in southern Ontario.
Halton Regional Police report that eight burial sites were robbed during the day in Oakville, Burlington, Toronto, Ancaster, as well as areas near Hamilton and Niagara Falls.
“Thieves tricked property managers by posing as grieving family members wishing to tour the premises,” said police. “They allegedly used tools to unlock and open niches without causing visible damage, making detection difficult.”
The thefts occurred over the last few months and involved over 300 incidents where jewelry, decorative cremation urns, keepsakes, and other valuables were taken-often items left in memory of loved ones.
Nearly 600 stolen items were seized by our officers.
Two people have been charged.
![]()
“I was outraged. You stole from the dead. What kind of person does that?” Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie shared a quote from a victim whose family heirlooms were stolen. “These crimes have caused intense emotional pain and heartbreak for the families who have experienced feelings of violation, anger, and a resurgence of grief.”
This month, investigators traced leads to a hotel in Niagara Falls where two suspects were arrested. A search warrant executed at the motel and on a vehicle led to the recovery of thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry and other stolen goods.
The suspects are 45-year-old John Ruch and 31-year-old Jordan Noble, both without fixed addresses. They face several charges including indignity to a dead body, theft under $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, and possession of break-in tools.
Police stated they are continuing their investigation and expect more charges may be added.
Officers are also working on identifying the stolen items so they can be returned to affected families.
The locations where the thefts took place.
INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies
Last 30 Days: 33,231 Votes
All Time: 1,261,729 Votes
384 VOTES
Source link
“I was outraged. You stole from the dead. What kind of person does that?” Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie shared a quote from a victim whose family heirlooms were stolen. “These crimes have caused intense emotional pain and heartbreak for the families who have experienced feelings of violation, anger, and a resurgence of grief.”
This month, investigators traced leads to a hotel in Niagara Falls where two suspects were arrested. A search warrant executed at the motel and on a vehicle led to the recovery of thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry and other stolen goods.
The suspects are 45-year-old John Ruch and 31-year-old Jordan Noble, both without fixed addresses. They face several charges including indignity to a dead body, theft under $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, and possession of break-in tools.
Police stated they are continuing their investigation and expect more charges may be added.
Officers are also working on identifying the stolen items so they can be returned to affected families.
The locations where the thefts took place.
INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies
Last 30 Days: 33,231 Votes
All Time: 1,261,729 Votes
384 VOTES
Source link
