Grave robbers have stolen human remains from an Australian cemetery with police asking witnesses to come forward.
Australian police on Thursday reported two separate incidents of gravesites being disturbed in Australia’s Footscray, an inner-western suburb of Melbourne, saying the suspects are yet to be identified.
According to CNN affiliate 7 News, the police have appealed to the public for information about the theft of human remains from cemeteries, and that they suspect links to a “satanic ritual’’.
It said the first theft took place at Geelong Road cemetery sometime between 7.30 p.m. on January 27 and 6.15 a.m. on January 28.
The police added that the second incident was said to have taken place between 6 p.m. on January 31, and 10 a.m. on February 1.
Victoria Police said in a statement that officers found the plaque and plasterboard inside a mausoleum had been removed and partial human remains had also been stolen.
Police believe that unknown offenders broke into a mausoleum before stealing partial human remains where two human heads were stolen. It is not clear if the two incidents are linked.
However, criminologist Xanthe Mallett told 7 News that she’s never observed such activity in Australia before.
Mallett stated;
It is interesting some of the symbols that have been left around these mausoleums appear to be satanic in nature. I have seen that in the UK, but I have never seen any satanic cult activity in Australia.
According to 7 News, police say there’s no indication there is anything of value inside the mausoleums, apart from personal items.
