NEWS RELEASE
BARRIE POLICE SERVICE
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On Wednesday, Mar. 15, 2017 at 3:25 p.m. two males entered the LCBO located at 55 Mary Street, in the City of Barrie. Immediately they caught the eye of staff as they each took off backpacks and unzipped them in the rum aisle.
When approached one male inquired with staff if he would be able to do some manual labour fixing up the exterior of the store in exchange for alcohol.
At this time the second male circled to the vodka section where he concealed a bottle in the waist of his pants. After the employee turned his back, the first male also grabbed a bottle of rum, sliding it into his backpack.
As both males exited the store, the cashier asked if they had anything to purchase which both of them advised "no".
However, as they reached the parking lot, employees watched the one male pull the bottle of vodka from the waist of his pants, open it and take a swig as he walked towards a rooming house residence at 63 Mary Street. Police attended this house but were unable to located anyone matching the description from the video.
On Thursday, Mar. 16, 2017 officers were on general patrol in the downtown area when they spotted a male matching the description of one of the suspects.
The original investigating officer who observed the surveillance video was able to positively identify the male and he was arrested for the theft of the vodka. He was questioned on the identification of the second male but was only able to provide a name of "Paul" to police.
At this time officers are looking for the public's assistance in locating the second male described as:
- Male, white
- 50-60 years of age
- Possibly goes by the name "Paul"
- Wearing green Nike toque, red neck warmer, black jacket, black backpack, striped shirt with a blue collared shirt underneath, and jean style pants.
The 26-year-old Barrie male was charged with theft under $5,000 and fail to comply with probation. He will be answering to his two charges at criminal court in April.
Police are continuing their investigation at this time and wish for anyone who may have information to please contact PC B Bromley of the Barrie Police Service at 705-725-7025 ext. 2780 or email at [email protected].
Any information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or leave an anonymous tip online at www.tipsubmit.com.
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