Barrie police are investigating after a truck was stolen from an east-end driveway while the owner left it running and warming up early this morning.
Just after 4 a.m. on Jan. 8, an Oak Street resident reported he had just started his pickup truck when it was stolen afterwards, according to police.
Police say patrols of the immediate area, near St. Vincent and Grove streets, were made.
Shortly after 7 a.m., the truck was located abandoned in a parking lot adjacent to the intersection of Collier and Clapperton streets in downtown Barrie.
Police said the pickup truck has been towed to police headquarters on Fairview Road where it will undergo a forensic examination. Investigators hope that evidence will be located which can help identify the person responsible for the theft.
With a return to cold and wintry weather, police are reminding people to never leave their vehicles running and unattended.
“Although this motor vehicle was located and recovered a short time after being stolen, we know that is not always the outcome,” said police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon.
“Thefts like this can be averted if people remain with their vehicles should they have to be left running. Additionally, referencing your motor vehicle owner’s manual may also provide some valuable information on options that are available to you,” he added.
