A joint investigation by Barrie Police and the South Simcoe Police Service has resulted in the recovery of 40 stolen vehicles, marking the largest stolen vehicle recovery in the history of the two police services.
The three-month investigation, known as Project Starter, involved collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Équité Association. Investigators were able to identify and recover stolen vehicles both in Canada and overseas, dealing a significant blow to organized auto theft networks.
Through referrals from Barrie Police, CBSA officers located shipping containers in Montreal and the Greater Toronto Area containing 19 stolen vehicles. CBSA intelligence officers also identified additional containers overseas, leading to the recovery of 21 more stolen vehicles at ports in the Bahamas, Spain and Ghana.
As part of the investigation, members of the Prevent Auto Thefts (PAT) unit arrested a 31-year-old Brampton man on April 24th. He has been charged with trafficking property obtained by crime and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
The recovered vehicles included Honda CR-Vs, Toyota Tundras, Lexus RXs, Ford F-150s and a Lamborghini, among other models. Police estimate the total value of the recovered vehicles exceeds $3 million.
The vehicles had been reported stolen from communities across Ontario, including Simcoe County, York Region, Toronto, Peel Region, Halton Region and Niagara Region.
Barrie Police also credited York Regional Police, the RCMP, CBSA and Équité Association for their assistance in recovering and helping repatriate the stolen vehicles.
Investigators say they remain committed to identifying and dismantling organized crime groups involved in vehicle theft across the province.
Anyone with information about auto theft is asked to contact Barrie Police at 705-725-7025 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477. Information regarding suspicious cross-border activity can also be reported to the CBSA Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.
