A 57-year-old Milton woman has been charged after the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) recovered items believed to have been stolen from gravesites at Milton’s Evergreen Cemetery.
Police began investigating in July after the cemetery reported a series of thefts dating back to late June. Roughly 20 families reported missing items, including lanterns, shepherd hooks, candles, potted plants and other keepsakes left near gravesites.
On Saturday, October 24th, officers executed a search warrant at a Milton residence and seized items reported stolen, along with dozens of other items believed to have been taken from gravesites.
Investigators arrested Diana Anderson the same day. She has been charged with one count of theft under $5,000 and four counts of possession of property obtained by crime.
The HRPS says additional charges are anticipated as investigators work to identify more victims and catalogue the recovered property.
Police emphasized that although some items may have limited monetary value, they can hold significant sentimental importance for families who leave them at the graves of loved ones. The investigation was made a priority because of the personal impact on affected families.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not yet discovered that items have been taken from gravesites.
Anyone who believes items were stolen from a gravesite at Evergreen Cemetery in recent months is encouraged to email investigators at PT1@haltonpolice.ca.
Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to contact the HRPS 1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777, ext. 2416.
