24 charges laid in Simcoe County auto theft investigation

A police cruiser with lights flashing is pictured in a vehicle's side mirror in Barrie, Ont. (CTV News Barrie)

Police laid two dozen charges in connection with a month-long investigation into a criminal auto theft enterprise.

Barrie police worked with South Simcoe police and were assisted by York Regional police on the investigation that revealed suspects stole mid-sized Toyota pickup trucks to carry out thefts.

“To date, three thefts from Barrie have resulted in the recovery of the stolen vehicles from locations within the Greater Toronto Area,” local authorities stated.

A 26-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman, both from Simcoe County, face 24 charges, including theft over $5,000, attempted vehicle theft, and other property-related offences.

“Investigations of this type are complex and require hours of specialized police work to take place long before any arrests can be made,” Barrie police emphasized.

Both accused were remanded into police custody following their arrests last week.

“Crime knows no boundaries, and police will go where the evidence takes them in order to hold those who choose to participate in criminal activity accountable for their actions,” the service concluded.