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The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has arrested two individuals and laid dozens of charges following a lengthy investigation into a series of thefts targeting mausoleums and cemeteries across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Over the past several months, thieves are believed to have committed more than 300 thefts from cremation niches in Oakville, Burlington, Toronto, and the Niagara region. The suspects targeted jewelry, decorative cremation urns, keepsakes, and other valuables often stored in these niches. The mausoleums targeted in Halton include Glen Oaks Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery in Oakville, Bayview Cemetery and Crematorium in Burlington, and Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Burlington.
On November 7, 2025, HRPS officers arrested two suspects at a motel in Niagara Falls. A search warrant was executed at the motel and on an associated vehicle, resulting in the recovery of thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry and other stolen property.
The thefts took place during daytime hours. The accused would attend a cemetery and enter the mausoleums. Once inside, they would use a tool to enter niche compartments and steal jewelry or other valuables. The accused often stole necklaces and other jewelry that contained human remains, which were discarded by the thieves after the thefts. The stolen jewelry was then sold at pawnshops or through private sales.
“These crimes are deeply disturbing and strike at the heart of our community’s sense of dignity and compassion,” said 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. I want to commend our investigators for their tireless work in identifying those responsible and recovering stolen property. We remain committed to supporting affected families and ensuring those responsible are held fully accountable.”
Charged
John Ruch (45, male), of No Fixed Address, has been charged with 28 offences, including:
- 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)
Jordan Noble (31, female), of No Fixed Address, has been charged with 25 offences, including:
- 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 accused were held in custody pending a bail hearing in Milton.
Additional charges are anticipated as investigators work to identify further victims and catalog the recovered property.
Hundreds of recovered items are now being catalogued and will be returned to affected families throughout the GTA. Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet discovered that a theft has occurred at their niche.
Anyone who believes they may have had items stolen from a mausoleum niche in recent months is encouraged to contact investigators by email at mausoleumthefts@haltonpolice.ca.
Please include the name of the deceased person(s), details and descriptions of the stolen items (including photos, if available), as well as the location and approximate timeframe of the theft.
Unfortunately, investigators believe that many stolen items may have already been sold or melted down for resale.
The HRPS would like to thank the Niagara Regional Police Service, Hamilton Police Service and Toronto Police Service for their assistance in this investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact 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 at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
Media Inquiries:
Halton Regional Police Service
Media Relations
905-825-4899
Email: corpcomm@haltonpolice.ca
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