Jewellery thefts from Montreal columbaria: two suspects arrested

A couple in their fifties was arrested on 14 May for jewellery thefts from burial niches. The SPVM is seeking potential victims.

Jewellery stolen from burial niches: SPVM appeals to families to come forward

The Montreal Police Service (SPVM) is launching an appeal to families who may have been victims of a couple accused of thefts from columbaria, according to noovo.info.

André Diderot Gustave and Christina Loubounakis, both in their fifties, were arrested on 14 May. The two suspects allegedly committed several break-ins at funeral centres across the greater Montreal region, in Laval, on the North Shore and as far as Saint-Hyacinthe.

Their modus operandi involved forcing open burial niches to steal jewellery and other valuable items left as tributes to the deceased.

The SPVM's Western Regional Investigation Unit believes that many families may be unaware that their loved one's niche has been targeted. Two photographs of the suspects have been released to help identify potential victims. Funeral centres have also been invited to inspect the condition of the niches under their responsibility.

Families who suspect a theft are asked to contact the police service of the relevant territory. In Montreal, they must visit their neighbourhood station and provide the name of the deceased, a detailed description of the missing items accompanied by photographs if available, the name of the funeral establishment, the niche number and the approximate period of the theft.

Many jewels were seized during the investigation. The SPVM wishes to return them to the families concerned. Any person who has already filed a complaint and wishes to recover their belongings can contact their local police service with the same information.

Source: Google News MA — Crime (fr)