Diamond Theft Investigation

Barrie Police one step closer to arrest

Members of the Barrie police service have linked the November 13th break and enter occurrence at Jeff Walter’s diamonds to a similar incident which occurred on September 30th in York region.

At 5:43 on September 2008, 4 suspects attended 15340 Bayview Avenue in the town of Aurora. Security video footage shows a blue 2006 or 2007 Pontiac Montana (with a cloth covering the rear plate) back up to the front door of a business operated as “Jewellery by design”. Four suspects are seen exiting the vehicle and force their way into the store by forcing their way in with the use of prying tools. These suspects are the same suspects shown in the Jeff Walter’s video. Two of the suspects are wearing the same clothing a month and a half later when they commit the Barrie offence.

Unfortunately, the owner of the Aurora jewellery store was forced to close his doors after the $50 000 theft.

The suspects were again wearing white dust masks to conceal their faces and are carrying the same distinct bags. The bags appear to be 5 to 6 feet long, made of cloth with a large ring sewn at the mouth to keep them opened and have a dark coloured exterior with a light coloured interior. These bags are not believed to be designed for common household use.

Barrie police investigators are actively working with investigators of the York Regional Police 1 district property crime unit to further both investigations.

Anyone with information on either occurrence is asked to contact D/C Patrick Brouillard at 725-7025 extension 2126 or contact crime stoppers.

A copy of the new video and screen shots available to members of the media by contacting D/C Patrick Brouillard or Sgt Robert Allan.

For further information or clarification regarding this release please contact:

OFFICER: PATRICK BROUILLARD #6136
UNIT: BARRIE POLICE SERVICE
CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH
CONTACT #:725-7025 EXT 2126

Occurrence #BA08047684