Three people face a litany of charges after a joint investigation involving Barrie and South Simcoe police uncovered a scheme to steal high-end used vehicles from local dealerships.
In late September 2024, police say the combined Barrie-South Simcoe street crime auto theft unit began what evolved into a "complex investigation" involving the theft of vehicles from dealerships in Barrie and Innisfil.
Police say a "multi-faceted and systematic investigative approach" has resulted in the recent arrest of a 23-year-old Innisfil man, as well as warrants being issued for two additional suspects. No names have been released by police.
Police say 53 criminal charges have been laid against the trio of suspects including:
- Theft of a motor vehicle
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Possession of an electronic device for the purpose of committing motor-vehicle theft
- Possession of break-and-enter tools
- Attempted theft of a motor vehicle
- Mischief under $5,000
- Disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence.
Police say detectives have also recovered two of the stolen vehicles and seized another vehicle as offence-related property.
"The successful completion of this investigation was made possible through funding provided by the Government of Ontario, Ministry of the Solicitor General, through the Preventing Auto Thefts (PAT) Grant," Barrie police stated in a news release.
