NEWS RELEASE
BARRIE POLICE SERVICE
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The Barrie Police Service is appealing to the public for assistance after a distraction theft was reported at a business located in the City of Barrie.
On Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, [suspects] attended the Centra Food Market located at 320 Bayfield St. and purchased two drinks. The male then asked to exchange $20 bills after telling the cashier that he collects Canadian currency and in particular was interested in the serial numbers. The cashier accepted the rather unique explanation and willingly handed over a quantity of bills. The suspects were then able to distract the cashier and the other customers in line and this [allegedly] allowed the male suspect to leave the store with 19 $20 bills.
The actions and distraction technique was captured on video surveillance and as a result, the follow descriptions have been obtained:
• Male, approximately 35 years old, 5’8, dark complexion, black hair, heavy accent and possibly of South Asian or Middle Eastern decent.
• Female, approximately 30 years old, 5’6, dark complexion, black hair, heavy accent and possibly of South Asian or Middle Eastern decent.
Anyone with information on this distraction theft is asked to contact Constable Lainey of the Barrie Police Service at 705-725-7025, ext. 2760, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or leave an anonymous tip online.
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