Barrie police have charged a 16-year-old resident after an alleged theft during a transaction arranged through Facebook Marketplace, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. Officers say the suspect met the seller in the city's southeast end shortly before 6:30 p.m., took photos of the item, and seized the collectible when the seller briefly looked away.
How police say the incident unfolded
According to the police account, the meeting location was presented as the suspect's home but was later found not to be his residence. Surveillance video seized by investigators captured the interaction, and officers used that footage to identify the suspect.
- The seller agreed to meet a buyer through Facebook Marketplace.
- The suspect photographed the collectible during the exchange.
- The card was taken while the seller’s attention lapsed; the suspect ran toward a nearby wooded trail.
- Police located the youth at his address wearing clothing consistent with the surveillance images and arrested him. The card was recovered.
Item and charge
Police said the collectible taken was a high-value hockey rookie card. The youth has been charged with theft over $5,000.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Card | PSA grade-10 2024 Upper Deck Macklin Celebrini #451 (rookie card) |
| Charge | Theft over $5,000 |
Police advice and legal limits
In a statement, Barrie Police warned that online platforms make meeting buyers and sellers easier but urged residents not to let convenience override caution. The release noted that an online profile, messages or apparent knowledge of an item do not guarantee someone's intentions.
"With Facebook Marketplace and other online platforms making it easier than ever to connect with buyers and sellers, convenience should never replace caution," the police statement said.
The service also reminded the public and media partners about the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The identity of the youth involved is protected and police said publishing a young person's name, photo, school or other identifying details could constitute an offence under the YCJA.
For Barrie residents who use online classified sites, the police account of this case reinforces longstanding safety recommendations: meet in a public, well-lit place; bring another person; verify a buyer or seller’s identity where possible; and consider using police station parking lots designated for safe transactions when available.
