Grave robbers have broken into the Preston General Cemetery in Melbourne, removed a woman's casket, and stolen a diamond ring of "significant value", say Melbourne police.
At least two men wearing gas masks were pictured breaking into the cemetery just before 5am on July 30th, smashing a window to gain entry to one of the mausoleums.
The men are still at large, and on Friday police released images of the men involved, with anyone who recognises them urged to contact officials.
One is larger and both wore gas masks, hooded jumpers, and dark clothing.
Once they had gained entry to the cemetery, they opened a casket that held the body of a woman, and police believe they stole a ring.
No other crypts were damaged, and police are consequently treating the incident as targeted. Detectives say they do not believe theft was the only motive for the crime.
"This is a highly unusual incident and I know there has been a lot of speculation, particularly in criminal circles, as to why this incident happened and who was responsible," Detective Inspector Graham Banks said.
"We believe this was a targeted incident.
"While theft is not discounted as the only motive, police are receiving consistent intelligence that this was undertaken as a form of retribution against a relative of the deceased woman."
Police have previously spoken with a representative for the family of the dead woman to deduce what had been damaged or stolen and those inquiries were ongoing.
