Milton Woman Charged as Halton Police Recover Keepsakes Allegedly Taken From Graves at Milton Evergreen Cemetery

Halton Regional Police say they have arrested and charged a 57-year-old Milton woman following an investigation into the theft of personal keepsakes and decorations from gravesites at Milton Evergreen Cemetery. Police say the missing items — many of them small and sentimental rather than valuable — had disappeared from the graves of loved ones belonging to roughly 20 families since the summer. The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.

What Happened

According to Halton police, the cemetery first contacted them in July 2026 after families reported that lanterns, candles, potted plants and other mementoes left at gravesites had gone missing. Investigators say the thefts appear to have begun in late June. On October 24, 2026, police say they executed a search warrant at a Milton home, where they recovered the reported stolen items along with dozens of additional keepsakes they believe were also taken from graves. Police arrested Diana Anderson, 57, of Milton, that same day. She faces one count of theft under $5,000 and four counts of possession of property obtained by crime. Police say they anticipate further charges as more victims are identified and the recovered property is catalogued. The charges are allegations that have not been tested in court.

Key Details

• Police allege items were taken from gravesites at Milton Evergreen Cemetery beginning in late June 2026.

• About 20 families reported missing keepsakes, including lanterns, shepherd's hooks, candles and potted plants.

• Police say a search warrant was executed at a Milton residence on October 24, 2026.

• Investigators say they recovered the reported items plus dozens more they believe were taken from graves.

• A 57-year-old Milton resident was arrested and charged with theft under $5,000 and four counts of possession of property obtained by crime.

• Police say more charges may follow as additional victims come forward.

Community Impact

For many Milton families, the items left at a loved one's grave carry deep personal meaning, and police described the thefts as deeply personal to the families affected. Investigators are asking anyone who believes something may have been taken from a grave at Milton Evergreen Cemetery in recent months to come forward, noting there may be victims who have not yet realized items are missing. Residents who think they may be affected can email police at PT1@haltonpolice.ca, and anyone with information can contact the 1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777, extension 2416.

Background

Milton Evergreen Cemetery is one of the community's long-established burial grounds. Police said they treated the case as a priority because, while some of the missing items had little monetary value, many held significant sentimental worth for grieving families.

Source: Halton Regional Police Service — https://www.haltonpolice.ca/news-releases/posts/milton-cemetery-thefts-investigation/

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