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w w w .in sid e H A L T O N .co m | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, D e c e m b e r 2 , 2 0 1 6 | 12 Glen Oaks grapples with thefts from mausoleum by `grave robbers' by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff Security measures at an Oakville funeral home have increased after numerous items were stolen from its mausoleum. Access codes have been changed, more security cameras have been added and the physical presence of security around the clock has been increased, said Gary Carmichael, vice president of Arbor Memorial, which owns Glen Oaks Memorial Funeral Homes & Cemetery, 3164 Ninth Line. Five thefts have occurred since Nov. 3, Halton police confirm, but they wouldn't divulge details. "We are investigating," said Sgt. Barry Malciw Open your senses to what others have experienced. PLUM'S SHOP IS NOW OPEN! W e serve fresh b reakfast & lunches daily Take-o ut only until 2:00, M o n d ay - Friday We offer full service corporate catering |F DON'T FORGET TO PLACE YOUR HOLIDAY MEAL ORDER! · Prepared holiday meals · Plum's famous fruit cake · Christmas treats and sweets · Savoury and sweet pies Pick up Saturday December 24th between 10am - 12pm 4 4 7 S p e e rs R d, u n it 9 · 9 0 5 -8 4 4 -7 1 1 0 w w w .p lu m c a te r in g .c a Carmichael said Thursday (Dec. 1) the funeral home has been working with the families involved, police and security partners. "The cemetery is a public place and it' s appalling somebody would do this in what we consider sacred grounds," he said. "This is a sacred place and our hearts go out to those who are impacted and we're doing everything we can to ensure this doesn't happen again and to ensure the people responsible are caught." The Last Supper Mausoleum has had no incidents in its four-year history. In co-operating with the police investigation, Glen Oaks handed over security tapes. It' s believed the thefts took place last weekend as well as a month ago, noted Carmichael. The funeral home believes six niches that hold urns and small personal items, like photographs and charms, have been tampered with. Carmichael wouldn't say what kinds of items were stolen as to not disrupt the police investigation, however, he said the funeral home sincerely apologizes to the families affected. Before the latest break-in, the Oakville funeral home had security cameras on its first floor and was open between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. People were able to access the building using an entry code on a keypad. Security measures have since been beefed up with additional cameras on the second floor and a new entry code on the keypad. Those who want access to the mausoleum are required to visit the cemetery office as it will no longer be released over the phone. "There' s a fine balance sometimes between serving your customers and not making it inconvenient and yet you weigh that with security and right now security takes precedence," he said. Christine Hanley says she' s devastated after discovering her mother' s wedding ring and her father' s signet ring were missing Nov. 27. The Mississauga resident was visiting the mausoleum on the third anniversary of her mother' s death and realized the rings were gone. She was shocked to learn it wasn't the first time an item went missing and raised concerns to the funeral home about lack of security. "I don't think we'll get them back (the rings), but I don't want anyone else to go through this heartwrenching experience," she said, adding she never thought she'd be using the term "grave robbers." She says her family feels violated. Hanley is happy with the increased security but questioned why it took so long. Carmichael said the funeral home' s "initial silence was only to try and ensure it did not jeopardize the police investigation. He said Glen Oaks is very saddened by the incidents and sincerely apologizes to the families concerned. 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