A shocking and deeply disturbing crime wave has hit families across the GTA. Halton police say a man and woman have been arrested after more than 300 thefts from mausoleums and cremation niches in Toronto, Oakville, Burlington, and the Niagara Region — crimes investigators describe as “callous” and “reprehensible.”

The two accused, a 45-year-old man and 31-year-old woman, were taken into custody at a Niagara Falls motel on Nov. 7, where police recovered thousands of dollars in jewelry and valuables believed to be stolen from cemetery niches.

But police warn that many families may not yet realize their loved ones’ resting places were violated.

What the Thieves Targeted

According to Halton police, the pair specifically targeted:

• Jewelry

• Decorative cremation urns

• Keepsakes

• Valuables often stored in cremation niches

Some jewelry contained human remains, which investigators say the suspects dumped — an act police called “immoral,” “outrageous,” and devastating to affected families.

The thefts happened at eight cemetery locations, including:

• Mausoleums in Oakville

• Two cemeteries in Burlington

• Multiple sites in Toronto and Niagara

Tools were used to open niches with minimal damage, allowing the thieves to steal items during the day without being noticed.

The Charges

Both suspects were known to police and were already out on release for previous theft charges, said Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie.

The man faces 28 charges, including:

• 3 counts of indignity to a dead body

• 19 counts of theft under $5,000

The woman faces 25 charges, including:

• 19 counts of theft under $5,000

• Possession of stolen property

Both remain in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton. Police say more charges are expected.

Items Sold, Melted Down, or Lost Forever

Police displayed more than 600 recovered items during a press conference — but warn that many stolen valuables have already been:

• Melted down

• Sold to pawn shops

• Sold privately

• Discarded

Some families may only discover the theft when they visit a loved one’s niche.

One family member, quoted by police, expressed raw frustration:
“You stole from the dead. What kind of person does that?”

Police Ask Families to Check Their Niches

Halton police urge anyone with a mausoleum niche in the affected regions — especially Toronto and Halton — to inspect their spaces and report concerns.

Families should prepare:

• Name of the deceased

• Photos or descriptions of missing items

• Location and approximate timeline

Information can be submitted directly to Halton police or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

Cemetery Operators Respond

Arbor Memorial, which operates two of the impacted Halton cemeteries, confirmed multiple thefts and says it is working with investigators.

“We understand these are not simply items, but cherished memories,” said general manager Scott Lockwood.

The Ontario Association of Cemetery and Funeral Professionals says it will work with law enforcement and regulators to “ensure places of remembrance remain safe and dignified.”

A Crime That Hit the GTA’s Sense of Compassion

For families across Toronto and the surrounding region, this isn’t just about stolen valuables — it’s about trust, memory, and dignity.

“These crimes strike at the heart of our community,” said Deputy Chief Wilkie.

Police continue to catalogue recovered items and expect more victims to come forward in the coming days.