Barrie police have charged a local youth with theft after investigators say a high-end hockey card was taken during an in-person transaction arranged through Facebook Marketplace.
Police say suspect grabbed card and fled
Officers responded July 14 to a report of theft stemming from a meetup in southeast Barrie. Police allege the buyer photographed the card several times while inspecting it, and when the seller briefly looked away the suspect seized the item and ran toward a nearby wooded trail.
Through review of surveillance footage and follow-up inquiries, investigators identified the suspect as a 16-year-old Barrie resident. When officers attended the youth's home later that day they say he answered the door wearing clothing that matched what was seen on the video. The youth was taken into custody and charged with theft over $5,000. The identity of the accused is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Police say the card was recovered.
Police message to online buyers and sellers
In conjunction with the arrest, Barrie police issued a reminder about safe practices when using online marketplaces. The service urged residents to prioritise safety over convenience and to be wary even if a buyer or seller appears knowledgeable about an item.
“With Facebook Marketplace and other online platforms making it easier than ever to connect with buyers and sellers, convenience should never replace caution,” police said.
- Consider meeting in a public place.
- Bring someone with you to transactions.
- If something feels wrong, walk away — no sale is worth risking safety.
The charge of theft over $5,000 indicates the value attributed to the collectible; however, none of the allegations have been tested in court. Police continue to encourage people who use online platforms to remain vigilant when arranging in-person exchanges.
| Date | Time | Item | Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 14 | Shortly before 6:30 p.m. | Celebrini "Young Guns" rookie card | Theft over $5,000 |
Residents arranging sales or purchases online can seek out designated safe-exchange zones or choose busy public locations such as police station parking areas when available. Barrie police did not provide further details on what will happen next in the case beyond the charge and recovery of the card.
