Thieves targeting the homes of people whose loved ones recently died is not a new tactic, but a law enforcement expert warns it may be resurfacing as criminals increasingly exploit publicly available information to predict when homes will be vacant.
Wenninger explained that criminals rarely rely on a single detail. Instead, they piece together multiple indicators, including obituaries, memorial announcements and routine disruptions, to determine when a home, or even several homes connected to one family, may be unoccupied.
"When you’re talking about using obituaries, that’s 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.
Wenninger said similar targeting tactics have been seen in a series of high-profile burglaries involving professional athletes, where criminals exploit predictable schedules and absences.
"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."
He noted that many of those cases involve organized burglary groups that plan ahead, move quickly and target specific valuables.
"These groups are very specific about what they want," Wenninger said. "They’re not going in to ransack a place. They want jewelry, watches, cash, and they want to get in and out fast."
In Saratoga, California, obituaries can be particularly useful to criminals because they often include service details and family names, which can expose multiple residences at once.
"The obituary will tell you things about when the services are, and unfortunately, it oftentimes will give names of other family members," Wenninger said. "People can research that through identifiable information where other people in the family live, knowing that they’re likely to be at those services."
He added that these crimes often involve planning rather than spur-of-the-moment decisions.
"When someone is utilizing the obituary, that does involve planning," Wenninger said. "They want to get in and out very quickly, and they’re very specific on what they want."
According to Wenninger, modern technology has shifted the balance in favor of criminals.
"Technology is a game changer, but it’s being unfortunately used more optimally by the bad actor than it is the person trying to protect themselves," he said.
Wenninger said families can reduce risk by making homes appear occupied during funerals, travel or periods of loss, including having people come and go, keeping lights on and avoiding obvious signs of absence.
He also cautioned against sharing real-time information publicly.
"People like to post things in real time, and really you’re potentially putting yourself in harm’s way because you’re making yourself predictable," he said. "Less is more. Post it after you get home."
Security expert Michael Leininger previously told KNTV that families should limit the amount of personal information included in obituaries, including service logistics and family names that could expose additional homes while relatives are away.
Despite the disturbing nature of the crimes, Wenninger stressed that awareness, not fear, is the goal.
"This isn’t about overreacting or allowing the threat of being burglarized to dictate what you do socially," he said. "It’s about being aware of what is being done to identify potential victims and taking the steps necessary to defeat those measures."