RB Man Accused of Graverobbing

A 21-year-old Redondo Beach man was charged with burglary Friday in connection with thefts at a local mausoleum.

Deputies arrested James R. Haggstrom on Wednesday morning after a witness spotted him trying to open a glass niche in the Pacifica North Court Mausoleum at in Rancho Palos Verdes, according to a news release written by Detective Andy Gill from the Lomita Sheriff's Station.

Upon their arrival, deputies found Haggstrom crouching next to the niche, which is used for storing the personal property of dead people, and detained him, Gill wrote.

Haggstrom, who is currently on probation, was carrying burglary tools and property that authorities believe was stolen from the mausoleum, Gill said. Deputies also discovered items at Haggstrom's home that they believe he stole.

Deputies said three similar thefts have occurred at Green Hills Memorial Park in recent weeks.

Anyone with information about these crimes should contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Lomita Station at 310-539-1661. For anonymous tips, call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit lacrimestoppers.org