In a disturbing trend, criminals are reportedly exploiting publicly accessible information to target the homes of individuals who have recently lost loved ones, a tactic that is not entirely new but appears to be gaining traction.
In California's South Bay region, families have reported burglaries occurring shortly after obituaries were published, raising alarms that criminals may be scanning these announcements to pinpoint homes that are likely to be unoccupied during times of mourning. According to Fox News, retired Los Angeles Police Department Lieutenant Jeff Wenninger explained that while such crimes feel particularly heartless, they are typically not driven by personal motives.
"Using obituaries is just one method of casing a location," Wenninger stated. "Really, we have to be pragmatic about predictability and vulnerability. Predictability is the suspect being able to predict when you will not be home."
Wenninger elaborated that criminals do not rely on a single piece of information but rather compile various indicators, such as obituaries, memorial announcements, and routine disruptions, to ascertain when a home might be empty. "When youre talking about using obituaries, thats just another means in which the suspects are able to find out and predict your movements and activity in order to exploit and victimize you by burglarizing your residence," he said.
This method of targeting is not limited to grieving families; similar tactics have been observed in high-profile burglaries involving professional athletes, where criminals take advantage of predictable schedules and absences.
"When you look at professional athletes, all someone has to do is look at a game schedule to know when theyre not going to be home," Wenninger noted. "That same predictability applies to funerals, travel or any major disruption in routine." These crimes often involve organized groups that meticulously plan their operations, swiftly targeting specific valuables. "These groups are very specific about what they want," Wenninger added. "Theyre not going in to ransack a place. They want jewelry, watches, cash, and they want to get in and out fast."
In Saratoga, California, a family recounted to KNTV NBC Bay Area how their mother-in-laws home was burglarized just two days after her obituary was published. Security footage revealed at least two suspects entering the residence and later departing with a safe. Relatives reported that the burglars used an ax to breach a rear sliding glass door, making off with sterling silverware and an empty safe. "Were already grappling with the loss of our mother-in-law, and this just adds insult to injury," said John Tuttle, a relative, describing the crime as "below human dignity."
The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office confirmed to Fox News that the Saratoga burglary occurred shortly after the victim's obituary was published, with several items stolen from the home. The investigation remains active, with no arrests made thus far. Authorities advise residents to take precautions when away from home, such as securing doors and windows, notifying trusted neighbors, and refraining from publicly sharing travel or funeral details until after the event.
KNTV also highlighted a similar incident in nearby Los Gatos, where another family reported a break-in at their fathers home one day after an obituary was published. Thieves reportedly stole guns, sterling silverware, and irreplaceable family heirlooms. "Who takes advantage of someone at the saddest and weakest moments of their life?" a family member questioned.
Wenninger pointed out that obituaries can be particularly useful to criminals because they often include service details and family names, potentially exposing multiple residences. "The obituary will tell you things about when the services are, and unfortunately, it oftentimes will give names of other family members," he explained.
"People can research that through identifiable information where other people in the family live, knowing that theyre likely to be at those services." These crimes typically involve planning rather than impulsive decisions. "When someone is utilizing the obituary, that does involve planning," Wenninger said. "They want to get in and out very quickly, and theyre very specific on what they want."
Modern technology has shifted the balance in favor of criminals, Wenninger noted. "Technology is a game changer, but its being unfortunately used more optimally by the bad actor than it is the person trying to protect themselves," he said. Families can mitigate risk by making homes appear occupied during funerals, travel, or periods of loss, such as having people come and go, keeping lights on, and avoiding obvious signs of absence.
Wenninger also advised against sharing real-time information publicly. "People like to post things in real time, and really youre potentially putting yourself in harms way because youre making yourself predictable," he warned. "Less is more. Post it after you get home." Security expert Michael Leininger previously suggested to KNTV that families should limit personal information in obituaries, including service logistics and family names that could expose additional homes while relatives are away.
Despite the unsettling nature of these crimes, Wenninger emphasized that the goal is awareness, not fear. "This isnt about overreacting or allowing the threat of being burglarized to dictate what you do socially," he stated. "Its about being aware of what is being done to identify potential victims and taking the steps necessary to defeat those measures."
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