Accused Identified by Police

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in Norfolk County say a 39-year-old man from Oxford County has been charged following an alleged theft at Waterford Greenwood Cemetery, located northeast of Simcoe.

Patrol Leads to Discovery

According to investigators, an officer conducting a proactive patrol on Tuesday morning spotted a man leaving the cemetery in a sedan. Shortly after, the vehicle was located abandoned on Wellington Street in Waterford.

Stolen Items Recovered

Inside the vehicle, police allege they found multiple brass objects believed to have been taken from the cemetery grounds. The recovered items included nameplates and other fixtures.

Charges Announced

The accused now faces several charges, including mischief, theft under $5,000, and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000. Police confirmed he appeared in Simcoe court on Wednesday for a bail hearing.

Broader Investigation Underway

Authorities noted that Norfolk County cemeteries have recently been targeted in a string of thefts involving brass and bronze objects. Incidents have been reported at Bayview Cemetery in Port Rowan, Delhi Cemetery, Port Dover Cemetery, and Sacred Heart Cemetery in Langton. Stolen property has ranged from screws and plaques to an urn.

Police Continue Search for Suspects

Const. Andrew Gamble of Norfolk OPP said the current charges apply specifically to the Waterford investigation. He added that police are still working to identify individuals connected to other cemetery thefts in the county.

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