Barrie police are investigating after two Toyota Highlander SUVs were stolen from driveways on opposite sides of the city's south end early Tuesday morning while the owners slept.
Both incidents were captured on home surveillance.
The first theft involved a silver 2022 Toyota Highlander, which was stolen from a driveway on Connaught Lane, near Big Bay Point Road and Prince William Way.
Police say the vehicle was stolen at 1:48 a.m. on Jan. 9 by an unknown male wearing a white hoodie and a mask. It was captured on surveillance video arriving at 1:37 a.m.
Police say the other incident involved a navy blue Toyota Highlander which was taken from the driveway of a home on Wessenger Drive, located in the area of Mapleview Drive West and Essa Road.
Video surveillance shows the theft occurred between 1:54 a.m. and 2:03 a.m. Police say a male and female suspect are responsible.
The two crime scenes are located about 17 minutes apart — or 11 kilometres.
In both cases, police say the owners had the keys to their vehicles and it is not known how the vehicles were accessed and subsequently stolen.
Barrie police is again warning owners of vehicles that are parked outside to always make sure they are locked, that a steering wheel locking device be utilized and, if possible, consider investing in an ignition immobilizer or a tracking unit.
"Also recommended is the installation of surveillance cameras, motion sensor lighting or even keeping exterior lighting on during the overnight hours," police said in a release. "Lastly, never leave valuables such as mobile phones, laptops, briefcases, wallets, or purses in your motor vehicle."
Anyone with information on either if these thefts can contact Barrie police.
