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Montreal police are calling on families to examine the burial sites of their loved ones after a troubling series of thefts from funeral homes came to light. Following the arrest of a couple on May 14, authorities are now investigating multiple break-ins that have targeted columbarium niches across the Greater Montreal area, as well as Laval and even reaching Saint-Hyacinthe on the South Shore.
Alarming Break-Ins Across the Region
The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) has confirmed that the thefts involved the forced entry into columbarium niches, where valuables such as jewellery were taken alongside the remains of the deceased. The arrested individuals, identified as 49-year-old André Diderot Gustave and 50-year-old Christina Loubounakis, are thought to be responsible for these disturbing crimes that have unsettled many families.
Loubounakis, described as a white woman approximately 1.7 metres tall and weighing around 90 kilograms, has brown eyes and usually wears her black hair tied back. Gustave, on the other hand, is a Black man, about 1.85 metres tall, weighing 110 kilograms, with black eyes and a shaved head. Together, they are believed to have conducted these heinous acts over the past year.
Community Response and Police Investigation
As the investigation unfolds, police have recovered a significant quantity of jewellery from the suspects. However, they are now faced with the difficult task of identifying the rightful owners of these stolen items. Authorities are concerned that some families may be unaware that their loved ones’ niches may have been compromised.
In light of this, the SPVM is actively encouraging relatives and representatives of funeral homes to inspect the condition of the niches. Any thefts discovered should be reported immediately to the local police department for further investigation. In Montreal, residents can do this at their local neighbourhood stations.
What Affected Families Should Do
Families who suspect that they may have been victims of these thefts, including those who have previously filed complaints but wish to recover their property, are advised to contact their local police service. When doing so, they should provide the following details:
– The name of the deceased
– A detailed description of the missing items, including photographs if available
– The location of the niche, specifying the name of the funeral home and niche number
– The approximate timeframe when the theft occurred
This information is crucial for the ongoing investigation and may assist in recovering stolen property.
Why it Matters
This unsettling series of thefts not only highlights a profound violation of trust in one of society’s most sensitive spaces but also underscores the importance of community vigilance. As families navigate the grieving process, the added burden of potential theft from the resting places of their loved ones is an unimaginable distress. By raising awareness and encouraging proactive measures, local authorities seek to restore peace of mind to grieving families, allowing them to honour their loved ones without the shadow of theft hanging over their memories.
