Multiple truck thefts reported in Barrie in one night
Police in Barrie are investigating after five trucks with push-button start technology were stolen in one night, a trend that they say is gaining traction.
Kelly Halfkenny's parents moved to Barrie from Scarborough one week ago and said it wasn't the warm welcome they had expected after their truck disappeared.
"On Monday morning around 7 a.m. I was headed to work, and my mom texted me and said the truck was gone."
The stolen vehicles, four F-150s and a Dodge Ram Rebel, all 2019 or 2020 models, were taken sometime overnight Sunday from the city's east and northwest neighbourhoods.
"From what we understand, they are able to gain access to the vehicle and then override the computer system," said Peter Leon, Barrie police spokesperson.
So far this year, 141 vehicles have been reported stolen in the City of Barrie, averaging about one a day.
"We've certainly seen an increase in stolen vehicles," Leon said.
RELATED
- Barrie man upset truck was stolen as police confirm spike in vehicle thefts
- Vehicle thieves use radio signal to override key fobs
- Barrie community reports rash of vehicle break-ins
According to Bryan Gast, Équité Association Investigative Services vice president, F-150s are a popular steal.
"They're plentiful. They're considered a quality vehicle, and there's a market for them."
Gast said most stolen vehicles end up shipped overseas, where police said trucks can be worth two to three times their standard value.
"The current global market is driving these thefts domestically," Gast added. "We typically are a country where vehicles are stolen from and shipped to other countries."
Police noted it's not enough just to lock your vehicle anymore. They recommend using a steering wheel lock or situating another vehicle to block your truck from being driven away.
Police also suggest removing valuables from vehicles and parking in a garage when possible.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.