NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA REGIONAL POLICE
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On Friday, Aug. 2, 2019, members of Niagara Regional Police began investigating a reported theft from a local cemetery. As the investigation unfolded it became apparent that items from 289 grave sites were stolen over several days. The loss incurred by the thefts affected not only the business, but the families of the respective grave sites as well.
Uniform officers, and detectives from the 3 District Criminal Investigation Branch were aided in this investigation by community business partners. On Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019, the investigation culminated with four arrests and the recovery of much of the stolen property. Some property had been damaged beyond repair.
Charged are the following:
Joshua Hillgardner, a 46-year-old Welland resident
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000, section 355(a) CC
- Mischief over $5000, section 430(3) CC
- Trafficking in property obtained by crime over $5000, section 355.5(a) CC
Joseph Gaulin, a 48-year-old Welland resident
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000, section 355(a) CC
- - Mischief over $5000, section 430(3) CC
- - Trafficking in property obtained by crime over $5000, section 355.5(a) CC
William Ostermaier, a 33-year-old Welland resident
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000, Section 355(a) CC
A fourth Welland resident was arrested but released unconditionally.
Information on crimes can also be submitted anonymously using Crime Stoppers of Niagara.
To leave an anonymous tip, please contact Crime Stoppers via:
Telephone - 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)
Online - www.niagaratips.ca
Text - Text is not available at this time.
Crime Stoppers guarantees that you will remain anonymous through any of the methods offered to provide tips. You may also be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000 if the information leads to an arrest.
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