Between the 9th of August and October 1st 2013, numerous break and enters occurred throughout the City of Barrie. The suspect was caught on several surveillance cameras breaking into businesses and stealing the money located in the donation boxes. Several of the break and enters occurred at different beer stores in the city and along with stealing the donation boxes, the suspect would steal beer.
The suspect always attempted to conceal his identity with a hooded sweater. The method used to gain entry into the businesses was by smashing the front glass door with a rock or tool.
The Barrie Police Service property crimes unit received a break in the case when a vehicle used at one of the break and enters, was located on highway 400. It appeared the vehicle ran out of gas and the suspects left the vehicle. A search warrant was conducted on the vehicle and police located evidence from several recent break and enters.
On October 1st the suspect broke into a car dealership on Blake St and stole a 2001 Jeep Cherokee. Shortly after that the suspect attended a Tim Horton’s and stole the donation box from the counter. Witnesses and a video from the store assisted police with preparing a suspect profile.
With assistance from the Street Crime Drug Unit and the Intelligence unit, officers searched and located the stolen Jeep. Officers then observed two suspects a 22 year old Sudbury male and a 29 year old Barrie female entering the vehicle. The female was known to police and the male was the same on video stealing the donation boxes.
As a result, both were stopped and subsequently arrested for the following offences and held for a bail hearing.
22 year old male- 19 counts of Break and enter
4 counts theft Under $ 5,000
3 counts of possession of stolen property
1 count breach of Probation
29 Year old female- 2 counts Break and Enter
1 count Possession of stolen property
1 count of Breach of Probation
1 count breach of recognizance
As a result of the arrest a search warrant was excuted at a Hickling Trail residence. Property stolen from some of the Break and Enters were recovered.
The investigation continues.