Barrie Police say they have been receiving multiple reports of stolen pickup trucks recently in the city.
According to police, early Monday morning, four Ford F-150s and one Dodge Ram were taken from homes throughout the east and northwest ends.
Peter Leon, Barrie Police spokesperson, says the vehicles were newer models - 2019s and 2020s - and all had push-start button technology.
"It would appear as if these stolen trucks were specifically selected because of the make and the model," Leon told Barrie 360. "And we don't want to see any more of these types of thefts occur in our community."
Leon says the technology suspects use to steal vehicles is now quite advanced compared to what it used to be.
"They can literally be at the bottom of your driveway, override the computer in your vehicle, and gain access to it," said Leon. "From what we understand, it's fairly common for people to drive off the driveway, get down the street and around the corner, and disable the built-in GPS system that's in the vehicles."
Leon noted, that with it being five vehicles, he thinks it's a group working together as an operation to steal the trucks.
"These vehicles are very high-end," Leon said. "We know that on the world scale, they're worth two to three times the value of what the vehicle owner paid for them here. It comes down to supply and demand, and unfortunately, there seems to be a supply of vehicles in people's driveways."
The Barrie Police spokesperson said this is causing a headache for the victims, not only because their vehicles were stolen, but because some are for work purposes.
"Some are equipped with thousands upon thousands of dollars worth of various equipment and power tools that are required for people to do their jobs," said Leon. "Not only is it a great inconvenience to have your vehicle stolen ... now you've got to go out and reacquire the tools of your trade."
There has been no trace of the vehicles since they were reported stolen.
Barrie Police is asking the public to utilize steering wheel locking devices, put your vehicle in the garage if possible, and if you have a second vehicle, park it in front of your pickup truck.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Barrie Police at 705-725-7025.
Feature image - file photo - Barrie 360
