A 57-year-old woman is facing charges in connection with an investigation into a string of thefts from gravesites at a cemetery in Milton, Halton Regional Police say.
According to police, officers were contacted in July after families reported a series of thefts from gravesites at Milton Evergreen Cemetery.
“The thefts began in late June, and items reported stolen include lanterns, shepherd hooks, candles, potted plants and other keepsakes left near gravesites,” police said in a news release issued Wednesday.
About 20 families reported missing items, police said.
On Oct. 24, police said search warrants were executed at a residence in Milton and a number of stolen items were seized.
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Images of the stolen items have now been released by investigators in an attempt to reunite owners with their belongings.
“While the monetary value of some of these items may be relatively low, many hold significant sentimental value for the families who placed them at their loved ones’ gravesites,” police said.
“Recognizing the deeply personal nature of these thefts and the impact on affected families, the HRPS made this investigation a priority.”
The suspect now faces a number of charges, including theft under $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime.
“Additional charges are anticipated as investigators work to identify further victims and catalogue the recovered property. Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet discovered that items have been stolen from their gravesites,” the news release continued.
“Anyone who believes they may have had items stolen from Milton Evergreen Cemetery in recent months is encouraged to contact investigators by email at PT1@haltonpolice.ca.”
