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Two Barrie men are facing multiple charges following a break and enter investigation at a vacant commercial building on Blake Street.
The Barrie Police say officers were called Tuesday, February 24th, at about 3:30 p.m., after a witness reported seeing two individuals leaving a former restaurant (closed since a 2022 fire) carrying bags believed to contain copper wire. Police say the materials were loaded into a vehicle before one suspect drove off and the other fled on foot.
Officers located and detained one suspect nearby, while the second was found less than an hour later near Anne and John streets after allegedly attempting to sell the materials at a local scrap metal facility. Investigators say entry was gained through a smashed window on the north side of the building, and documentation from the scrap yard, along with seized cash and paperwork, linked the suspects to the sale.
A 33-year-old and a 39-year-old man have each been charged with:
- Break and Enter with Intent to Commit an Indictable Offence
- Possession of Stolen Property under $5,000
- Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime
The 39-year-old also faces charges of possession of break-in instruments and breach of probation.
Police are encouraging residents to report suspicious activity and contact Barrie Police with any additional information.
