The Burnaby RCMP is sharing information about a peculiar crime that is taking place in cemeteries across the city, after a series of vase thefts.
RCMP said that several hundred bronze gravesite vases were stolen. These vases sit directly on top of a grave marker, allowing loved ones to leave flowers for the deceased.
According to a release that the Burnaby RCMP sent out Wednesday morning, the total monetary loss represents hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Burnaby RCMP does not know the exact number of items that were stolen, because it says these thefts typically are only discovered when loved ones actually visit the site.
“While some of these vases have a monetary value exceeding $1,000, the loss extends far beyond the financial cost,” said Burnaby RCMP.
“The monetary value, while high, pales in comparison to the sentimental value these items hold for grieving families,” Burnaby RCMP Corporal Mike Kalanj said in a release.
“Stealing from a final resting place is a disgusting act that causes significant emotional distress to those already dealing with loss. We are committed to identifying those responsible,” Kalanj added.
Burnaby RCMP
A dedicated phone line and email address have been set up for tips relating to these crimes. Anyone with information is being asked to call investigators directly.
You can call 604-646-9911 or email E_Burnaby_CemeteryTheft_Tips@
You can read more about the Burnaby thefts on the RCMP website, which also has more pictures.
Something similar occurred earlier this year in Coquitlam, though it wasn’t a cemetery involved.
In July this past summer, Coquitlam residents were angered after videos surfaced of two women allegedly stealing flowers from a public park.
A post shared by Coquitlam RCMP about the incident received over 150,000 views and hundreds of comments and shares.