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'Despicable' thieves scan obituaries, target homes during funerals, wakes

MILFORD, Mass. — Police say thieves are scanning obituaries and looking up people's addresses, and then targeting their homes when they know their loved ones will be at the funerals or wakes.

Obituaries are meant to allow people the chance to comfort those dealing with the loss of someone they love, not exploit their grief.

But police in at least two communities say thieves are targeting people mourning a loss.

“They occurred when people are at a wake and funeral when they are out mourning loved ones," said Milford Deputy Police Chief James Falvey.

In Milford, over the course of two days, two homes of grieving families were broken into.

“They’ve been targeting jewelry, things that can be carried away quickly," said Falvey.

A similar case was also reported in nearby Holliston.

We spoke with the director of a local funeral home who says they advise everyone to make sure someone is watching their home during a funeral or wake.

Police say if you've lost someone recently, feel free to give them a call and they'll try to patrol your neighborhood.

“It’s their worst time and someone is over there taking something that doesn’t belong to them," said John Vargas. “They lost enough and now they’re losing more.”

Falvey called the crimes "despicable."

“When people are vulnerable, they are upset they’re mourning a loved one it’s kind of despicable," he said.

Police say it's likely that the Holliston case is connected but they are still investigating. They have not made any arrests at this point.