Hundreds of thefts at Hwy. 20 cemetery; 3 charged
Three Welland residents face multiple charges in connection to the theft of close to 300 bronze vases from Pleasantview Cemetery in south Thorold.
During an investigation by Niagara Regional Police that began Aug. 2, it became apparent that items from 289 grave sites were stolen over several days, said an NRP news release.
Dustin Wright, senior director of communications for Arbor Memorials, the company that owns the 40-hectare cemetery and funeral home on Highway 20, said the 289 pieces that were stolen had been placed at flat memorials and in multiple gardens.
Surveillance footage recorded the thefts and police were later tipped off when an attempt to sell the vases was made at a local recycling facility.
Wright said 190 vases have been recovered and returned.
He said the pieces can be lifted up from the memorials they are attached to and secured with a chain.
“With enough force, you can break that chain and just take them,” said Wright, adding that tools and other equipment likely didn’t need to be used.
Wright said families affected by the recent acts will be contacted. Arbor Memorials will work to replace the stolen items.
“This is really upsetting,” Wright said Thursday. “We feel terrible for the families this has impacted.”
The thefts were noticed by grounds staff who were conducting daily checks.
Wright said physical security measures have been increased at the cemetery recently.
Staff from the recycling facility who assisted deserve a lot of praise, as well as local police, said Wright.
“I can’t thank the police enough in terms of how quickly they were able to act,” he said. Police made arrests Tuesday. Charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, mischief over $5,000, trafficking in property obtained by crime over $5,000 are Joshua Hillgardner, 46, and Joseph Gaulin, 48.
William Ostermaier, 33, is charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
A fourth person was arrested but released unconditionally, police said.