Niagara Regional Police are investigating a series of thefts from mausoleum niches after several incidents were reported at Pleasantview Cemetery in Fonthill.
The investigation, conducted jointly with Halton Regional Police, revealed similar thefts in Oakville, Burlington, and Toronto.
Police say two suspects forced open niches to steal jewellery, decorative urns, keepsakes, and other valuables, later selling them at pawn shops or through private sales. Some items containing human remains were discarded.
On November 7, officers arrested two suspects, 45-year-old John Ruch and 31-year-old Jordan Noble, both with no fixed address at a Niagara Falls hotel.
Both face charges of break and enter and indignity to a body, in addition to dozens of related charges laid by Halton police.
A search warrant led to the recovery of hundreds of stolen items.
Investigators believe more victims may be unaware of missing items and urge anyone with concerns to come forward.
(Written by Brandon Warby)