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“We were urging people to really think twice about posting funeral information online,” Crewdson said.

Among other charges, the two people arrested face 18 counts each of possession of a weapon obtained by crime. A photo released by police shows many of the items seized by investigators: 26 rifles and a crossbow – weapons that can be sold with no questions asked.

“There’s certainly a black market to them, organized crime. That does exist,” Crewdson said.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a new trend,” he said of stealing from the grief-stricken while they’re at funerals. Thieves prefer no one be home when they call, he said, however, it’s the first Crewdson has heard about it happening in Southwestern Ontario in seven or eight years.

Other items stolen include jewelry, silverware, tool and electronics. Crewdson said this was definitely a case where OPP crime analysts noticed a similarity in the many cases being reported.

“There’s lots of feedback from victims that come (to police). They’re tearful,” because they’ve been kicked when they’re down, he said.

“We still have the potential for more charges.”

We were urging people to really think twice about posting funeral information online Elgin County OPP Const. Adam Crewdson

Krystle Oag, 45, of Dutton-Dunwich is charged with breaking and entering, possessing break-in instruments, obstructing a police officer, removing a vehicle identification number, two counts of assaulting a police officer, 16 counts of possessing property stolen by crime, 18 counts of possessing a firearm obtained by crime, four counts of careless storage of a firearm obtained by crime and three counts of possession of a prohibited device.

Ian Scott, 55, of Dutton-Dunwich is charged with 16 counts of possession of property obtained by crime, 18 counts of possession of a firearm obtained by crime, four count of careless storage of a firearm obtained by crime, three counts of possessing a prohibited device and removing a vehicle identification number.

danbrown@postmedia.com

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