(BARRIE, ON) – On Wednesday, February 5, 2014, at approximately 5:00 AM, a uniform patrol officer from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Barrie Detachment began investigating suspicious activity observed at a commercial property located on Highway 11 North, near Line 7 in the Township of Oro-Medonte.
A 32-year male resident of Oro-Medonte was found to be breaching his conditions of bail and was arrested at scene.
The ongoing investigation regarding the contents of the commercial building that the man was located near was continued by members of the Barrie OPP Crime Unit and the Central Region – Regional Support Team (RST).
As a result, a Search Warrant was obtained and executed on the property which led to the recovery of several pieces of heavy equipment that had earlier been reported stolen in the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Severn and Springwater. The following stolen equipment has been recovered:
3 skid steers
a backhoe
a mini-excavator
In addition, a riding lawn mower, 3 ATVs, and 3 generators all believed to be stolen were also seized as well as a rifle which was improperly stored.
The total value of the recovered property is estimated to be valued at $375,000.00
As a result of this seizure, the male who was earlier arrested and was remanded in custody, now faces additional criminal charges including:
Possession of Stolen Property exceed $5000 (7 Counts)
Possession of Stolen Property under $5000 (5 Counts)
Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm and
Careless Storage of a Firearm.
The seized property was transported and remains in secure storage at Currie’s Heavy Towing in Midhurst pending release of the items to the rightful owners. Investigation is still continuing to identify any additional victims, however all of the heavy machinery has been accounted for.
A 31-year old male of Oro-Medonte Township has also been charged with the same offences and has been released from custody with a future court date.