Beware - solitary women are being targeted at Riga cemeteries 0 17

A disturbing story about a series of thefts at the Forest Cemetery in Riga is spreading on social media. The discussion was sparked by a video of a man recounting how his mother became a victim of criminals. According to him, the woman went to the cemetery alone. At one point, she left her bag with belongings on a bench near a grave and briefly stepped away to get some water. When she returned, her belongings were gone.

Fortunately, the elderly woman took her phone with her. She immediately called her son, after which the relatives quickly contacted the bank and blocked the cards. Later, bank employees confirmed that the criminals had already attempted to withdraw money from the accounts.

After the incident, the victims called the police and contacted the cemetery administration. There, the video author claims they were told that this was already the fifth similar case in a week. "A group is operating. They are likely hunting for solitary women. Tell your mothers and grandmothers to be careful and not to carry cash to the cemetery," the man warned.

The story has sparked a strong reaction in the comments. Many residents of Latvia claim that such thefts have been happening for several years — and not only at the Forest Cemetery. "This happens every year," writes one user. Others recall similar cases at the Ivanovo, Bolderāja, and other Riga cemeteries. Some assert that they have personally encountered attempted thefts or know victims.

People discuss the fear elderly women have about visiting cemeteries alone, especially emotionally. "I don’t go now, I’m afraid. You can expect anything from such scum," admits one commenter. Some users describe the alleged suspects. For instance, one woman spoke of a tall, thin man with a leather bag who supposedly walks among the graves, posing as an ordinary visitor. "I think he steals, hides nearby on the graves, and then pretends to sympathize," she wrote.

Many commenters admit that they have long changed their habits because of such stories: they take only the essentials to the cemetery, carry backpacks instead of bags, and don’t let their belongings out of their hands even for a few seconds. "I work at the grave without taking off my backpack," shared one woman.

At the same time, some users note that the problem is not just theft. People recall that in previous years, there were even more dangerous attacks at cemeteries, so they advise elderly relatives not to go there alone. "Nothing sacred," "What have we come to," "Jackals" — these are the words residents use to describe what is happening.