Barrie police say they were contacted by three Ford F-150 owners in a span of just two hours regarding thefts of the vehicles.
According to officers, all were taken from driveways while the owners were sleeping.
"From the investigations that followed, the only common links are that ALL the pickup trucks stolen were Ford F-150s and the owners still had the key fobs for their trucks," police said in a release.
"Two of the trucks stolen were of the 2022 model year and one was a 2023. One of the 2022 models stolen was a King Ranch model red in colour, while the other 2022 F-150 stolen was blue. The lone 2023 truck stolen was black."
Police say two of the thefts happened in the city's north end, east of the East Bayfield Community Centre. While the other was southeast of Royal Vicotria Regional Health Centre (RVH).
"Motor vehicles that have been targeted by thieves in the Barrie area continue to be Dodge RAM pickup trucks, Toyota Highlanders, Lexus RX models and the recent Ford F-150s," officers said.
Police recommended the following tips:
- Park your locked motor vehicle in a locked garage
- Move any key fobs away from the front door area and secure them in a Faraday bag or Feraday box
- Use a steering wheel locking device or a wheel locking device
- Consider installing an ignition immobilizer
- Use a second motor vehicle and park it close to any identified vehicles
- Utilize tracking devices
- Install security cameras
- Keep exterior lighting on during the overnight hours
- Never leave valuables in your car – secure them in your home or in the trunk (or cover them so they cannot be seen)
- ALWAYS lock your motor vehicle if it cannot be safely secured indoors.
"It is often stated by police that theft is preventable, and this is true provided you make every effort possible to secure what belongs to you," officers added.
"If at any time you see a person or motor vehicle that does not belong or looks out of place, please call police immediately; your call could be the difference in preventing a crime from occurring in your neighbourhood."
Banner image - file photo - Barrie 360
