Montreal-area pair accused of robbing funeral niches of jewelry

Montreal police say a Montrealarea couple was arrested on May 14 in connection with a series of breakins at funeral homes and columbariums across the region over the past year. Investigators allege the pair forced open burial niches to steal jewelry and other valuables left with the remains of the deceased. The incidents were reported at sites in Montreal, Laval, the North Shore and SaintHyacinthe, and police say they have recovered a significant amount of jewelry while trying to identify the owners. Police are asking families and funeral home staff to inspect niches for signs of damage and report any thefts to local police. Investigators say some families may not yet know their loved one’s burial site was targeted, and the case remains under investigation.