Burglars Exploit Obituaries and Online Posts to Target Homes During Funerals, Expert Warns
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — As families across California’s South Bay mourn the loss of loved ones, a disturbing trend has emerged: tech-savvy burglars are exploiting obituaries and online posts to identify when homes will be vacant during funerals and memorial services. Retired Los Angeles Police Department Lieutenant Jeff Wenninger has sounded the alarm on this tactic, revealing how criminals use publicly available information to time their break-ins and prey on grieving families.
While the practice of targeting homes during funerals is not new, Wenninger told Fox News Digital that recent cases suggest a resurgence of this cruel strategy, amplified by the ease of accessing obituaries and memorial announcements online. “Using obituaries is just one method of casing a location,” Wenninger explained. “Really, we have to be pragmatic about predictability and vulnerability. Predictability is the suspect being able to predict when you will not be home.”
In several reported incidents, families have discovered their homes burglarized shortly after obituaries were published, raising concerns that criminals are scanning these announcements to pinpoint when residences will be unoccupied. Wenninger emphasized that criminals rarely rely on a single source; instead, they piece together multiple indicators such as funeral dates, routine disruptions, and public posts to build a clear picture of a family’s absence.
This method of exploitation is part of a broader pattern of criminals leveraging publicly available data to facilitate crimes. For example, a series of high-profile burglaries involving professional athletes, including the homes of Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce in 2024, demonstrated how predictable schedules can be weaponized by thieves. “When you look at professional athletes, all someone has to do is look at a game schedule to know when they’re not going to be home,” Wenninger said. “That same predictability applies to funerals, travel, or any major disruption in routine.”
These burglaries are often carried out by organized groups who plan meticulously, targeting specific valuables such as jewelry, watches, and cash. “They’re not going in to ransack a place. They want jewelry, watches, cash, and they want to get in and out fast,” Wenninger noted.
Law enforcement agencies encourage families to take proactive measures to protect their homes during vulnerable periods. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency offers guidance on securing residences, including installing surveillance cameras, using timers for lights, and notifying trusted neighbors of absences. Additionally, the Federal Bureau of Investigation advises vigilance in safeguarding personal information that could reveal routines or absences.
Families affected by these crimes have voiced their distress and frustration. In Saratoga, California, a family reported that their mother-in-law’s home was burglarized days after her obituary was published, underscoring the emotional toll of such invasions during times of grief. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office has released surveillance footage showing burglars prowling victim properties at night, highlighting the boldness of these offenders.
Experts urge communities to be aware of the risks posed by sharing sensitive information publicly and to consider limiting the details disclosed in obituaries and online posts. The USA.gov portal provides resources for families on managing funeral announcements and protecting privacy.
As technology continues to evolve, so do the methods criminals use to exploit it. Wenninger’s warnings serve as a crucial reminder that while public information facilitates communication and mourning, it can also expose families to unforeseen dangers. Taking steps to secure homes and carefully managing the information shared online can help mitigate the risk during life’s most vulnerable moments.
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