The Victoria Police Department is reaching out and seeking the public’s help in locating a distinctive urn that was stolen following a residential break and enter over the weekend.
The ashes — which have since been found and returned — belonged to former Metchosin councillor Moralea Milne who was killed in a car crash in 2018.
“She was a champion of the environment and a hardcore supporter of Metchosin and keeping it rural,” said Metchosin Mayor John Ranns. ” [She’s] just the best of people.”
Moralea’s daughter, Madeline Milne, said her family is devastated.
“I’m still in shock. It suggests to me that the person understands this box has monetary value, but if they know what kind of box it is, then they’ll also probably understand that it’s an urn. So, it’s absolutely disgusting and bizarre that this would be the thing that they decide to steal,” she said.
“It’s a terrible thing to have happened and obviously, we’re devastated as a family that my mother would be tossed aside in some alley somewhere or something,” she continued.
According to police, officers received a report on Monday, August 2, about a break-and-enter at a residence located in the 900-block of Collinson Street in Victoria.
Police are also scratching their heads, calling it a sad and disappointing situation.
“Quite unusual. Quite odd. Quite bizarre and somewhat disturbing. And again, our hearts go out to this family,” said Const. Cam MacIntyre with Victoria police.
“[It’s] very concerning to see that someone would target an urn. Something that has incredible sentimental value to a family,” he added.
The incident is believed to have taken place between Thursday, July 27 and Sunday, Aug. 1 — a time period that the residence was unoccupied.
Police said that the suspect, or suspects, entered the residence and stole a distinctive urn containing a family member’s remains.
While the urn and ashes were taken, other valuables within the residence were left untouched.
The ashes were since found and returned on Monday, but the urn is still missing.
The urn has been described to police as a wooden box with Indigenous carving and artistic design on the exterior.
A photograph of the stolen urn can be seen below.
The family said while they’re relieved the ashes have been returned, they are still holding out hope the box will be returned as well.
An investigation is currently ongoing and police are asking if anyone has any information about this incident or knows of the location of this urn, to call the VicPD non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654.
To report what you know anonymously, please call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
A picture of the stolen urn. (VicPD)
Graham Cox
Tahmina Aziz
