Funeral home thefts across Greater Montreal under investigation

Montreal police are asking families across the Greater Montreal area to verify their loved ones' burial niches after investigators arrested two suspects in a series of break-ins at funeral centres across the region.

The SPVM's West Regional Investigation Section says the suspects targeted columbariums and mausoleums in Montreal, Laval, the North Shore, and as far as Saint-Hyacinthe over the past year. Police have recovered approximately 600 pieces of jewelry and other valuables stolen from sealed niches.

Commander Sylvain Dumouchel of the West Regional Investigations Unit credited public tips with breaking the case. "We received the information in mid-April," he said, "and due to the sensitivity of the cases, we mobilized our team really fast and we were able to arrest two suspects."

Police say the suspects used tools to force niches open during operating hours. Many families may not yet know their niches were targeted — Sergeant Detective Stefania Barsan emphasized that detail: "Some of the families may not even be aware of the fact that they were stolen."

Families with relatives in columbariums or mausoleums should verify the contents of niches and report anything missing to police. Barsan said detailed reports should include the deceased's name, a description of stolen items with photographs if possible, the exact niche location, and an approximate theft timeframe.

The two arrests were made on May 14. The investigation continues as police work to identify additional victims and return recovered items to families.