Firearms seized, more than $1M in stolen property recovered in fraud investigation

A months-long investigation by the combined Barrie Police-South Simcoe Police Street Crime Auto Theft Unit has resulted in three arrests and the recovery of more than $1 million in property.

Barrie police say the investigation focused on vehicle thefts through the use of fraudulent cheques and bank drafts across Ontario.

"The search warrants yielded personal watercraft, a pontoon boat, construction equipment, and high-end watches," police said in a news release.

They say the property was allegedly obtained through the use of fraudulent cheques and bank drafts.

Also seized by police were three motor vehicles, a large amount of Canadian currency, and firearms.

The recovery of the property happened on last week when officers executed search warrants at locations in Toronto, King City, Havelock and Springwater Township.

At one of the search warrant locations, police say they seized 35 firearms and a quantity of ammunition. In total, 45 firearms were seized, and a 52-year-old man from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is facing charges related to the guns.

A 26-year-old Toronto woman and a 32-year-old man from Springwater face numerous charges including theft, possession of property obtained by crime, vehicle theft, fraud, uttering a forged document, identity theft and identity fraud.

Police say these charges stem from related investigations in Barrie, Oro-Medonte Township and Prince Edward County.

Investigators in the GTA and across southern and central Ontario believe the suspects are responsible for additional occurrences that also involve the use of fraudulent cheques and bank drafts.

Police would like to hear from anyone who believes they may have been victims of the accused.

"The professional and methodical approach undertaken by the combined Barrie Police-South Simcoe Police Street Crime Auto Theft Unit is beyond impressive," said Barrie Police Chief Rich Johnston." With the support of the preventing auto thefts grant, these detectives far exceeded the scope of the initial investigation and have successfully coordinated what is likely to become a very large multi-jurisdictional investigation with an impactful outcome. Their work is the tip of an investigative iceberg that will hopefully bring resolution to many occurrences across Ontario.”

South Simcoe Police Chief John Van Dyke said the investigation was the result of exceptional collaboration and excellent police work.

" It took long hours and hard work to recover the firearms and over a million dollars of stolen property. This is an outstanding outcome that reflects the dedication, skills and collective effort of our partnership with the Barrie Police Service. It reinforces our shared commitment to protecting the safety and well-being of the communities we serve."