Cousin stole family photos at my mums funeral

[Catgirl76]

Hi,
Not sure if mumsnet is the correct place for this but my mum died recently and at her funeral wake a adult cousin, whilst I was distracted with other family members, took photographs of my mum and other family paper items my mum had in her possession.

I had no idea they where missing until later. Since the wake this cousin has not contacted me about the photos. So it's been no mistake.

It's pathetic what this cousin did. I have no copies of the photos to prove they were mine.
Any advice would be welcome.

I’m sorry, must be v upsetting. How can you be sure who took them though? If you are sure, I would just ask for them back. You probably won’t get them though, if someone wasn’t honest enough to ask.

The photos and items where on a table at the wake by where the cousin was sat. I never thought this could happen. I saw the cousin gathering up items but in innocence I didn't twiggy until later.
I remember being baffled as we entered the church as to why my cousin had attended my mums funeral with such a huge bag.
Families can be awful unfortunately. The one person who would have sorted it would have been my mum, but she dead.
I have left it but that cousin will never ever get inside my house ever.

I don't understand why someone would steal photos...you can get copies of them so everyone who wants one can have one. Is there some sort of back story?

Have you asked for the things back?

Plus why would she want loads of photos and other stuff relating to her aunt? Is she given to kleptomania

Sorry for you loss.

The photos where copies from photos another cousin has. They where for my family but I didn't immediately put them away.
The is no back story tbh.

Just message her and say

'hi (insert name). Some photos disappeared from mums wake? Was wondering if you have them...no issues with you having a copy but I'd like them too so can we arrange to get copies made for everyone who wants one"

Well if you have access to the originals I would just forget about it. She sounds weird, leave her to it.

Message family that were there and say thanks for coming , cousin kindly gave me some precious pictures of mum, I can't find them. If not could I be a pain and ask for another copy

I think you have to call this out. Any kind of taking without asking is not ok, but at a funeral it’s a hundred times worst. You need to at least let them know you saw them taking the things.

Just message them and ask for them back? I don't see the big issue

I'd just ask the original photo's owners for new copies (and explain what happened)

I'd contact your cousin and say you need them back but you will get a copy of any photos as he wants made for her. It's so easy to get photos copied.

Ask for them back

Get some more copies made.