The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) says thieves targeted cremation niches at cemeteries in Oakville, Burlington, Toronto, and the Niagara region, stealing jewelry, decorative urns, keepsakes, and other valuables often placed with loved ones’ remains.
In Halton, the affected locations include Glen Oaks Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery in Oakville, Bayview Cemetery and Crematorium in Burlington, and Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Burlington. According to investigators, the thefts typically occurred during the day, with the suspects entering mausoleums and using tools to break into the compartments. Police say the accused frequently stole jewelry containing human remains and discarded those ashes after removing the valuables. Recovered items were allegedly sold to pawnshops or through private transactions.
HRPS officers arrested two suspects on Friday, November 7th, at a motel in Niagara Falls. A search warrant executed at the motel and on a related vehicle resulted in the seizure of thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry and other stolen possessions.
“These crimes are deeply disturbing and strike at the heart of our community’s sense of dignity and compassion,” said Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie, calling the offences “callous and reprehensible.”
He credited investigators for their work and said the service remains committed to helping families affected by the thefts. Hundreds of recovered items are now being catalogued and will be returned to families across the region, though police believe some stolen valuables were already melted down or resold.
Police have charged 45-year-old John Ruch of no fixed address with 28 offences:
- 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)
31-year-old Jordan Noble, also of no fixed address, faces 25 offences:
- 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
Both remain in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton. More charges are expected as police continue to identify victims.
Investigators are asking anyone who believes they may be affected to email mausoleumthefts@haltonpolice.ca with the name of the deceased, descriptions or photos of missing items, and the location and approximate timing of the theft. Police say additional victims may not yet know that a theft has occurred.
Any other information regarding this investigation can be directed to the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777, ext. 2216.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.
