Criminals take advantage of obituaries to break into houses while families are at funerals, expert warns.

Burglars Targeting Grieving Families

Police experts are warning that a disturbing trend is resurfacing: burglars are targeting homes of those who have recently lost a loved one. While this tactic isn’t entirely new, it raises significant concerns as criminals now use public information to determine when homes may be empty.

In California’s South Bay, families have reported break-ins occurring soon after obituaries were published, suggesting that criminals are monitoring these announcements to identify vulnerable properties. This troubling situation has many feeling vulnerable during an already difficult time.

Jeff Weninger, a former lieutenant with the Los Angeles Police Department, explained that while these crimes may seem especially cruel, they are often motivated by opportunism rather than personal vendettas. Obituaries, he notes, serve as a tool for thieves, allowing them to predict when a home will be unoccupied.

“Predictability is key,” Weninger remarked. “It helps criminals know when a suspect won’t be home.” He pointed out that robbers utilize various indicators—including obituaries and memorial notices—to determine the best time to strike.

In addition, high-profile cases involving professional athletes have also shown a pattern where criminals capitalize on predictable schedules. Weninger noted that the same reasoning applies to funerals and other major disruptions in daily life.

For instance, in late November, a family in Saratoga discovered their home had been robbed just two days after their mother-in-law’s obituary was published. Security footage captured at least two suspects entering and leaving the house, with one taking away a safe. Family members expressed their anger, describing the crime as “below human dignity.”

Local authorities have yet to make any arrests, but they urge residents to secure their homes and avoid broadcasting their plans publicly, especially during funerals. This precautionary advice includes notifying trustworthy neighbors to keep an eye on homes while families are away.

Interestingly, obituaries can give away information like funeral details and names of family members, which criminals can use to find other residences. Weninger cautions, “Obituaries often reveal not just service times but also where other family members may live.”

While some may feel paralyzed by fear, experts like Weninger encourage awareness rather than panic. He suggests families create the illusion of occupancy during vulnerable times by having lights on or letting people in and out of the house.