Barrie Police recovered a stolen vehicle and merchandise, about 40 minutes after the SUV was taken.
Around noon on Sunday, police say the vehicle was running in the area of Bradford Street and Victoria Street as the owner had stepped away, and a man got into the SUV and drove off.
Soon after, an officer spotted the stolen SUV and followed it into a parking lot on Bayfield Street.
The driver was arrested.
During the investigation, police recovered retail merchandise that was reported stolen from a north-end business. The items were returned to the business.
A 35-year-old Barrie man was charged with theft of a motor vehicle, theft under $5,000, mischief under $5,000, and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
Barrie Police remind motorists to help prevent thefts by never leaving vehicles running and unattended, even for a moment. An unlocked or running vehicle is an opportunity for theft.
Vehicle owners are encouraged to:
- Always lock unoccupied vehicles
- Avoid leaving valuables, such as wallets, purses, and personal identification, inside vehicles
- Report suspicious persons, activity, or thefts immediately
