GPS tracker helps bust alleged pickup truck thieves

A Barrie police cruiser is pictured in this file image. (CTV News)

One Barrie resident awoke to discover his pickup truck had vanished.

Around 8 a.m. on Friday, police in Barrie were contacted after an owner of a pickup truck realized that his vehicle had allegedly been stolen overnight.

The alleged thieves weren’t aware, but as details of the investigation were being received by a call taker with the Barrie Police Communications Unit, officers determined that the truck was on the move in the surrounding area.

Officials say the pickup was equipped with a tracking system providing its whereabouts. This allowed responding officers to devise a safe plan on how to stop the driver.

Police along with the owner of the vehicle were able to track the truck’s location in a medical building located on Bayview Drive, south of Big Bay Point Road.

Upon arrival, a 38-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman, both from Barrie, were arrested after fleeing from the truck.

Police say the investigation remains ongoing, and details will be provided when it permits.

“When it comes to vehicle theft, once a motor vehicle is stolen, it can be very difficult to locate. Although this incident concluded differently, police credit the collaborative demeanor in which information sharing took place, the availability and the use of technology and the ability to work with a member of the community during what was no doubt a stressful 25 minutes while this ordeal was taking place,” concluded Peter Leon with the Barrie Police.