Possible obituary robbery leaves daughter devastated

Tony Hanson of Pocatello passed away July 16. After his funeral, his daughter Jackie, who lives in Idaho Falls, came down to go through his home a few days later. To her surprise, her father’s home had been burglarized.

Power tools, a gun safe, his beloved 2002 Harley Davidson motorcycle and much more were gone. Jackie was devastated. It was the motorcycle that she mourns the most.

Tony Hanson was considered a biker and an outdoorsman. His motorcycle seemed to be an extension of his personality. As a tribute to Tony, Jackie planned to ride his motorcycle to spread his ashes. Friends and family were calling it, “Tony’s Last Ride.”

“I feel violated,” Jackie said. “Since everything that has been going on, I didn’t have a chance to put things to rest. I didn’t have a chance for some closure, or to mourn.”

Tony’s last ride is now on hiatus until she can locate the stolen motorcycle. However, she believes sharing Tony’s obituary on Facebook could have been a contributing factor in its disappearance.

Thieves will go to great lengths to make a profit. Unfortunately, thieves will often scan obituaries, find out the names and addresses of the deceased and target their homes. They will often strike at night or even during the funeral service.

“This is a national thing,” said Lt. Eric Anderson of the Pocatello Police Department. “My advice to them would be, take some really valuable things, out of the house as soon as possible.”

Lt. Anderson also suggests, locking all doors and windows, keeping a porch light one, informing a trusted neighbor and continue checking on the house.

“Be careful about what you post and if you have valuables at home and everyone is going to a celebration of life or a funeral, just set up a security camera, or maybe have someone you trust, such as a neighbor, keep an eye on things,” Jackie said.