OPP has arrested a 42-year-old Barrie man after a lengthy investigation into theft occurrences in Central Region.
The investigation, which began in January 2021, was in relation to a theft from motor vehicle incidents that took place from May 2020 to August 2022 in Collingwood, Huronia West, Midland, Caledon, Orillia and Muskoka, and Dufferin areas.
The accused would gain access to the vehicles parked at trailheads in remote areas by smashing a window and then made off with currency and numerous personal items and in the process causing thousands of dollars of damage to the vehicles.
As a result of this very detailed investigation officers have now charged a 42-year-old male from Barrie with ten counts of Mischief Under $5000, seven counts of Theft From Motor Vehicle, as well as one count of Failing to Comply with Probation.
He is to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Collingwood on October 18, 2022.
The investigation is ongoing as police believe there might be more theft from motor vehicle offences at trailhead parking lots that were not reported to police at the time.
If you wish to report such an incident, which took place between July 13, 2022, and September 4, 2022, please contact the Community Street Crimes Unit of the Collingwood and The Blue Mountains OPP at 705-445-4321.