In the wee hours of Tuesday morning, Barrie police say two Toyota Highlander SUVs were stolen from the driveways of south-end homes while the owners slept.
In both cases, the thefts were caught on surveillance video.
The first theft happened around 1:48 a.m. and involved a silver 2022 Toyota Highlander that was stolen from a driveway on Connaught Lane, in the area of Prince William Way and Big Bay Point Road. The male suspect was wearing a white hoodie and a mask. The surveillance video showed the male arriving at 1:37 a.m.
Police say the second theft involved a navy blue 2022 Toyota Highlander that was stolen from a driveway of a home on Wessenger Drive, in the area of Essa Road and Mapleview Drive West.
"It has been determined, from obtained video surveillance, that this theft occurred between 1:54-2:03 a.m., and that a male and female suspect are responsible," police said in a news release on Wednesday. "In both cases, the owners had the keys to their motor vehicles, and it is not known how the vehicles were accessed and subsequently stolen."
Barrie police are again warning owners of motor vehicles that are parked outside to always make sure that the motor vehicle is locked, that a steering wheel locking device be utilized, and if possible, consider investing in an ignition immobilizer or a tracking unit. Also recommended is the installation of surveillance cameras, motion sensor lighting or even keeping exterior lighting on during the overnight hours. Lastly, never leave valuables such as mobile phones, laptops, briefcases, wallets, or purses in your motor vehicle.
