RCMP are appealing to the public for help after a break‑and‑enter in Chestermere resulted in the theft of several personal items, including the ashes of a woman whose funeral is scheduled for next week.
Police were called to the home on Jan. 6, after a break‑in around 9:30 a.m. in the Cove community.
Investigators say multiple belongings were taken, among them a red velvet‑covered case containing a temporary box holding the cremated remains of a Chestermere woman. The family, preparing for a Jan. 17 funeral, say they are devastated by the loss.
Deanna Thompson, daughter of the deceased, says she believes the thieves likely had no idea what they were taking.
She told CityNews she believes the remains could be anywhere now, adding that an iPad stolen at the same time last pinged in northeast Calgary near McKnight Boulevard.
RCMP say the urn may have been taken unintentionally or discarded shortly after the break‑in. Their priority is recovering the ashes so the family can proceed with the scheduled service.
Police are seeking help identifying two male suspects:
- Suspect 1 was wearing white sweatpants, a blue and black coat, black shoes, a black hat, and gloves.
- Suspect 2 was wearing blue overalls with yellow stripes and a white construction hat.
Officers are also urging anyone who may have found the red velvet bag or the temporary container inside it to come forward immediately.
Anyone with information about the break-in or the whereabouts of the missing remains is asked to contact Chestermere RCMP or their local police service. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers.