A South Simcoe Police investigation that began in March has now identified over 300 victims and resulted in additional charges against two people previously arrested in a multi-jurisdictional "porch pirate" investigation.
The initial investigation resulted in police recovering a stolen auto, approximately $90,000 worth of jewelry and dozens of other personal items being shipped and mailed. All toll, property was recovered for victims spanning 16 cities and towns across central Ontario.
Through this investigation, police were able to identify more than 300 victims of this crime spree.
"As a result of police executing several search warrants, investigators were able to locate and seize hundreds of items of stolen mail and property. Officers then completed the painstaking process of returning the items to their rightful owners," police said in a news release on Wednesday.
"The new charges, dating back one year, span the province and include multiple frauds, identity theft, mail theft and mischief."
Police have charged a 32-year-old Barrie man and a 25-year-old woman of no fixed address. She is currently wanted and anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
The original investigation also involved police services in York Region, Barrie Hamilton and Waterloo.
"The crime spree consisted of thefts from residential properties and hotels in addition to complex identity theft and fraud occurrences," police said. "South Simcoe Police Service officers executed two search warrants at a hotel room in Hamilton and on a vehicle seized in Innisfil, where they recovered a large quantity of stolen jewelry, clothing, watches, bank cards, government-issued documents and personal mail. Police also seized 18 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 18 grams of suspected fentanyl."
Here are some ways to help prevent the theft of your property:
· Get a ‘safe drop’ or locked mailbox for packages
