A man and a woman have been arrested in connection with more than 300 thefts from cemeteries and mausoleums across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The Halton police announced the arrests following a lengthy investigation into a series of thefts that targeted cremation niches containing remains in Oakville, Burlington, Toronto, and the Niagara region.

The suspects, a 45-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, both without fixed addresses, were apprehended on November 7 at a motel in Niagara Falls. Police recovered thousands of dollars worth of stolen jewelry and other items during searches of the motel and a linked vehicle.

Investigators reported that the thefts occurred primarily during the daytime. The suspects allegedly posed as grieving family members to gain access to the mausoleums. Once inside, they used tools to unlock and open niche compartments without causing visible damage, making detection difficult.

The stolen items included jewelry, decorative cremation urns, and keepsakes. Notably, some of the jewelry contained human remains, which the suspects discarded after the thefts. The stolen items were reportedly sold at pawn shops or through private sales.

The targeted locations included several cemeteries and mausoleums, such as Highland Memory Gardens, North York Glendale Funeral Home and Cemetery, and Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Burlington.

Halton police Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie expressed concern over the nature of these crimes, stating, "These crimes are deeply disturbing and strike at the heart of our community’s sense of dignity and compassion. To violate spaces meant for remembrance and peace is both callous and reprehensible."

The suspects face multiple charges, including three counts of indignity to a dead body and 19 counts of theft under $5,000. The man has been charged with a total of 28 offenses, while the woman faces 25 charges. Both individuals are being held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.

Police anticipate additional charges as they continue to identify more victims and catalog the recovered items. Investigators believe there may be families who have not yet realized that thefts have occurred at their loved ones' niches.

Authorities are encouraging anyone who suspects their items may have been stolen to contact them. They request details such as the name of the deceased, descriptions of the stolen property, and the location and approximate time of the theft.

The Ontario Association of Cemetery and Funeral Providers has described the thefts as "deeply disturbing and disrespectful," emphasizing the impact on affected families.

As the investigation continues, police are committed to supporting the families impacted by these thefts and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. Any recovered items will be returned to the families as part of the ongoing efforts to address this troubling situation.