Two Arrested Following More Than 300 Grave Thefts in Southern Ontario: Police

Halton Regional Police have arrested two suspects in connection with more than 300 thefts from graves across southern Ontario.

The rash of daytime thefts over the past several months targeted a number of cremation niches in Oakville, Burlington, Toronto, and the Niagara region, where jewelry, urns, souvenirs and valuable items stored in urns were robbed, according to police.

“The accused would attend a cemetery and enter the mausoleums,” Halton Regional Police said in a Nov. 17 release. “Once inside, they would use a tool to enter niche compartments and steal jewelry or other valuables.”

Police allege the thieves would discard the human remains and sell the valuables through private sales or at pawn shops.

Police say targeted cemeteries include the Glen Oaks Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery in Oakville, the Bayview Cemetery and Crematorium in Burlington, and the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Burlington.

Halton police say they arrested a man and a woman after executing a search warrant on a motel and vehicle in Niagara Falls, where officers recovered “thousands of dollars” in stolen items, including jewelry.

John Ruch, 45, of no fixed address, has been charged with 28 offences as a result of the investigation, including three counts of indignity to a dead body, 19 counts of theft under $5,000, and three property trafficking charges. Jordan Noble, 31, of no fixed address is facing identical charges except for the trafficking offences.

Both of the accused were kept in police custody while awaiting a bail hearing in Milton, Ont. Police say further charges are expected as investigators work to recover more stolen property taken during the robberies and determine whether there are more victims.

“These crimes are deeply disturbing and strike at the heart of our community’s sense of dignity and compassion,” said Halton Regional Police Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie. “To violate spaces meant for remembrance and peace is both callous and reprehensible. Our thoughts are with the families who have been impacted by these thefts.”

Police say recovered items are currently being catalogued and will be returned to the families of the victims, but noted that many of the stolen items may have been melted down or resold.

Police added that it is likely more families have been victims of a robbery at their loved one’s niche but have not yet discovered it. 

Investigators are urging anyone who believes they had items stolen from a niche to contact investigators at the Halton Regional Police.