A 16-year-old Barrie resident is facing a theft charge after police say a high-value collectible sports trading card was stolen during a Facebook Marketplace transaction.
Barrie Police responded to the incident on Tuesday, July 14th after the seller reported meeting a potential buyer shortly before 6:30 p.m. outside a southeast Barrie address that was later confirmed not to be the suspect’s residence.
The suspect reportedly examined and photographed the collectible card before grabbing it and fleeing on foot toward a nearby wooded trail when the seller briefly looked away.
Through video surveillance and the subsequent investigation, officers identified the suspect and later arrested him at his residence, where he was reportedly wearing the same clothing seen in surveillance footage. The stolen trading card was recovered.
The youth has been charged with theft over $5,000.
Barrie Police are reminding residents to take precautions when buying or selling items through online marketplaces by meeting in public places, bringing someone along whenever possible, and walking away if a transaction feels suspicious.
The identity of the accused is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
