Barrie police say they have broken up a heavy machinery theft scheme.
They raided a condominium complex in Innisfil on Tuesday and arrested a 39 year old suspect.
Police say Kubota and Bobcat Skid Steers were stolen from Barrie, Mississauga, and Etobicoke. A forklift was also taken from a Barrie area grocery store.
Officers were monitoring a suspect who was attempting to steal another Kubota tractor from Scarborough, but was interrupted when the owner unexpectedly arrived on scene.
The suspect fled but his actions were closely being followed by police.
The accused faces charges of :
Theft Over $5000 (4 counts)
Fail to Comply with a Release Order (3 counts)
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 (2 counts)
Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000
Possession of Break in Instruments
Possessing Automobile Master Key
Obtaining by False Pretence Under $5000.
The accused was held for a bail hearing and at the time of his arrest was in possession of a motor vehicle that had been stolen in early March. The car also had licence plates affixed to them that were fake and made of paper.