Massive auto theft investigation results in dozens of firearms seized, $1M in property recovered

CTV News

11-06-2025

A massive multi-jurisdictional auto theft investigation by the Barrie Police-South Simcoe Police Street Crime Auto Theft Unit has resulted in the seizure of nearly four dozen firearms and the recovery of more than $1 million in property.
In a news release issued Wednesday, Barrie police say search warrants were executed last week at properties in Springwater Township, King City, Toronto and Havelock, which turned up a boat, a personal watercraft, construction equipment, high-end watches, three vehicles, and a large amount of Canadian cash.
Police say at one of the properties officers seized 35 firearms and ammunition. In all, 45 firearms were confiscated. A 52-year-old man from the Greater Toronto Area faces criminal charges following the seizures.
Additionally, police arrested two other people, a 32-year-old Springwater Township man and a 26-year-old Toronto woman, who were present during the search warrants. They face several charges in connection with crimes allegedly carried out in Barrie, Oro-Medonte and Prince Edward County, including theft over $5,000, identity theft and fraud, possession of property obtained by crime, and uttering a forged document.
Police say they have reason to believe these individuals are behind instances of fraudulent cheques and bank drafts being used throughout southern and central Ontario.
"If any member of the public is a victim of these conspiring fraudsters, you are strongly encouraged to contact your local police service," Barrie police stated.