Fraud & crime: 1)Barrie police nab man on active warrant, seize two concealed weapons 2)Barrie cop stops wrong-way driver on Hwy. 400 ramp; 3)Man charged after over $17k stolen from Horseshoe Valley Resort; 4)Armed break‑in reported at Barrie home; 5)(Updated) Police arrest 14 people, locate woman allegedly being held at Barrie address; 6) Fraud is evolving and anyone can be a target: Here’s how to protect yourself; 7)FIve arrested for drug-related offences in Midland and Barrie; 8)Long guns, knives seized after standoff with man in Barrie
1) Barrie police nab man on active warrant, seize two concealed weapons
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Ian MacLennan, February 18, 2026
A man wanted on an active warrant was spotted by a Barrie police officer in the downtown area around 7 a.m. on Sunday, and despite the suspect’s attempt to evade arrest, he failed.
Police say after noticing the officer, the man tried to evade him by ducking behind a building and keeping his head down.
“When the officer caught up to the individual and attempted to make the arrest, he resisted but was quickly restrained and taken into custody,” police stated in a news release.
During the arrest, the officer found the suspect had two concealed weapons, which police told Barrie 360 were a hunting knife and a hatchet.
The 28-year-old from Barrie faces multiple charges, including resisting arrest, carrying concealed weapons, failure to comply with a release order, and failure to comply with a probation order.
2)Barrie cop stops wrong-way driver on Hwy. 400 ramp
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Ian MacLennan, February 18, 2026
A police officer on patrol in the city’s north prevented a potentially serious collision.
Around 11 p.m. on Tuesday, police say an officer patrolling in the area of Bayfield Street saw a vehicle heading northbound onto the Highway 400 southbound ramp.
“The officer immediately acted and conducted a traffic stop before the vehicle merged onto the highway in the wrong direction,” according to a police news release.
During the interaction with the driver, the officer noted obvious signs of impairment.
As a result of the investigation, the driver was arrested and taken to police headquarters for further testing.
A 25-year-old Bradford man was charged with impaired driving, driving a vehicle without a licence, and dangerous operation.
“This incident could have ended very differently. The officer’s quick actions helped to safely resolve what could have been an incredibly dangerous situation that put that driver’s life in jeopardy, along with other motorists and responding police officers. Impaired driving charges carry serious consequences, including an immediate licence suspension, vehicle impoundment, significant fines, and a criminal record upon conviction,” police stated in the news release.
3)Man charged after over $17k stolen from Horseshoe Valley Resort
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Julius Hern, February 18, 2026
Orillia OPP have tracked down a man and charged him after an expensive theft last month at an Oro-Medonte ski resort.
Officers were called to the theft at Horseshoe Valley Resort on January 2, where an investigation utilizing the skills of a Scenes of Crime Officer (SOCO) to gather evidence determined a safe holding more than $17,000 was stolen overnight.
Orillia’s Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) assisted in the ensuing investigation, which led to the arrest and criminally charge of a 49-year-old man from Penetanguishene with theft over $5,000.
He was released from custody and is set to appear in court in Orillia at a later date.
The goods stolen are still outstanding, and the OPP is appealing to the public for any further information.
4)Armed break‑in reported at Barrie home
Courtesy Barrie360.com and News Release
By Staff, February 18, 2026
Armed break‑in reported at Barrie home
Barrie police are investigating an early‑morning break‑in last Friday on Woodfern Court, near Holly Meadow Road and Kenwell Crescent.
Police say they received the call just before 3 a.m., reporting three suspects had shattered a rear glass door to enter the residence. The homeowner said two of the suspects were armed with handguns, while the third carried “what appeared to be a hammer or small hatchet.”
The suspects fled through the front door before officers arrived and appeared to have left empty‑handed,. No one in the home was physically injured.
Officers quickly set up a perimeter and deployed both K9 and drone units to search the area, but the suspects were not located.
Police canvassed the neighbourhood and obtained video surveillance footage to assist with the investigation. Investigators are asking others living on Holly Meadow Road between Woodfern Court and Sundew Drive to review home security footage for any suspicious persons or vehicles between 2:30 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Feb. 13.
The suspects are described as young Black males, wearing black hoodies and masks.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Det. Const. Colameco at lcolameco@barriepolice.ca.
5)(Updated) Police arrest 14 people, locate woman allegedly being held at Barrie address
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Ian MacLennan, February 17, 2026
UPDATED:
Barrie police have laid charges after they responded to a Scott Crescent home Sunday afternoon for a report of a woman being held at an address by individuals known to her.
Police said officers found several people inside the residence with outstanding warrants.
In total, 14 people were arrested and transported to police headquaters.
Police located the woman who was the subject of the initial call for service in good health at the address.
As a result of the investigation, a 33-year-old Barrie man was charged with four drug-related offences linked to cocaine and methamphetamine, one count each of assault, kidnapping, and failure to comply with a release order.
A 39-year-old Barrie man was charged with drug possession.
A 47-year-old man was charged with failure to comply with a release order, and a 40-year-old woman was charged with failure to comply with probation.
A 46-year-old man was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant.
All other individuals who had been detained were released unconditionally, police said.
The investigation is ongoing.
Investigators believe this to be an isolated incident and there is no risk to public safety.
________________________________________________
A well-being check at a Barrie address ended up being much more, as police arrested 10 people.
According to Jennett Mays, Barrie police corporate communications spokesperson, the initial call about a well-being check at a Scott Crescent residence came in around 3:30 Sunday afternoon.
“Several of those arrested had outstanding warrants,” Mays said in an email to Barrie 360.
A woman who was initially missing was located in good health, she added.
Mays said police don’t believe it is any risk to public safety, as it is an isolated incident.
The investigation is ongoing.
6) Fraud is evolving and anyone can be a target: Here’s how to protect yourself
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Marie Gagne, February 17, 2026
Fraud Scams Awareness Barrie Police
This Barrie 360 article is brought to you by The Barrie Police Service.
You don’t have to be careless, elderly, or “bad with technology” to fall for a scam. Fraud works because it targets emotions, not intelligence. Fear, urgency, trust, and the pressure to act quickly are what scammers rely on, and those feelings can affect anyone.
Barrie Police say they’re seeing a steady rise in sophisticated frauds, especially cryptocurrency scams and fake bank investigator scams. These aren’t random, sloppy attempts. They’re carefully designed to sound legitimate, convincing, and urgent.
The most important thing to know is this: scams are crimes of opportunity. Fraudsters wait for the right moment, when you’re distracted, worried, busy, or emotionally vulnerable.
Cryptocurrency Scams | Bank Investigator Scams | Grandparent Scams | Employment Scams | Romance Scams | Signs of Scams | How to Protect Yourself
The true cost of fraud in Barrie
Fraud is not a small or isolated issue. In the City of Barrie alone, reported fraud losses totaled approximately $17 million last year.
And that number likely only shows part of the picture.
Police estimate that only 5 to 10 percent of frauds are ever reported. Many people feel embarrassed, assume nothing can be done, or do not realize they have been scammed until much later. As a result, the real financial impact is likely far higher.
These numbers underline an important point: fraud is widespread, and silence only helps scammers continue.
The fraud scams police are seeing most right now
According to Kris Nicholson of the Barrie Police Service, two types of fraud are showing up again and again.
Cryptocurrency-based scams
Cryptocurrency is increasingly being used as a tool to carry out fraud. Scammers promote fake investment opportunities, often using well-known names, logos, or public figures to appear credible. Victims may see online ads, videos, or messages claiming that someone famous has made millions using a specific crypto platform.
In some cases, the scam looks very polished. You may even see what appears to be real returns at first.
But the investment dashboard is fake. The money is not growing.
When you try to withdraw it, you’re told you must pay taxes, fees, or clearance costs first. Each payment leads to another demand, and the losses can quickly grow into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Bank investigator scams
Bank investigator scams are one of the fastest-growing frauds in Canada.
It often starts with a phone call from someone claiming to be a bank manager or fraud investigator. If they mention a bank you actually use, your attention is immediately locked in.
You’re told your cards have been compromised and that large transactions have already occurred or are about to post.
The scammer keeps you on the phone, calmly walking you through what feels like a legitimate investigation. They may say the transactions haven’t appeared in your account yet and that they’re trying to protect your money.
You’re then asked to:
The courier is real. Often it’s an Uber or logistics driver who has no idea what they’re delivering.
Your cards are delivered straight to the fraudsters, who can still piece them together and use them quickly at ATMs or for online purchases.
By the time victims realize what has happened, the money is gone.
Other common scams to watch for
While cryptocurrency and bank investigator scams are driving many current cases, Barrie Police also warn about several other scams that continue to impact residents every year. These frauds often resurface in new forms and target people at vulnerable moments.
Grandparent scams
Grandparent scams prey on fear and love. Victims receive a call claiming their grandchild has been arrested, injured, or is in immediate trouble. The caller pressures them to act fast and insists they not tell anyone else.
Payment is often requested in cash, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, with instructions to send money by courier or wire transfer. The urgency is deliberate. Scammers do not want you to pause or verify the story with family.
A simple phone call to the child’s parents can stop this scam instantly.
Employment scams
Employment scams often target job seekers, including students and newcomers. Victims are offered a job quickly, sometimes without an interview, and then told they must pay upfront for equipment, training, software, or uniforms.
Legitimate employers don’t require payment before you start working. If you’re being asked to send money in order to earn money, it’s a strong warning sign.
Romance scams
Romance scams build slowly. Fraudsters form emotional relationships online through dating apps or social media, gaining trust over weeks or months. Once that trust is established, a financial “emergency” appears.
Requests may involve cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards. The stories vary, but the outcome is the same: money is sent and the person disappears.
If someone you have never met in person asks you for money, it’s almost always a scam.
Fraud can happen to anyone
“The elderly seem to be the most vulnerable in all of this because they are viewed as financially established or afraid,” Kris shares. He goes on to explain that this is especially true of scams like the grandparents scam. “They want to do what they think is right and they wind up losing a lot.”
But the Barrie Police also share that older adults and people who are “not careful” aren’t the only targets. Fraudsters are skilled at creating believable stories and directing your attention away from obvious red flags. They rely on fear, urgency, and the desire to fix a problem fast.
As Nicholson explains, scammers are very good at finding the “perfect storm,” the moment when someone is stressed, worried about money, or afraid of losing something important. This may be asking for duty fees in December when people are waiting desperately for their packages or CRA scams in March and April when people are waiting for their tax returns to pay bills.
It’s in these moments that logic takes a back seat.
Common signs something is a scam
Barrie Police Fraud Awareness Tips
While scams are always evolving, many share the same warning signs. Be especially cautious if you notice any of the following:
These are major red flags. Legitimate businesses and banks do not operate this way.
How to protect yourself if you’re contacted
If you receive a call, email, or message claiming to be from your bank, a company, or the police, slow things down.
Use these steps instead:
Legitimate institutions will encourage this. They want you to verify who you’re speaking with.
“Take 5, Tell 2”
Barrie Police use a simple phrase that can stop many scams before damage is done.
Take 5 minutes.
Tell 2 people.
Give yourself time for your emotions to settle. Fear and urgency are powerful, and scammers rely on you acting immediately. Then tell two people you trust what is happening. A spouse, friend, or family member who is not emotionally involved can often spot what feels off right away.
If it does not make sense when you say it out loud, it probably isn’t legitimate.
What your bank and police will never ask you to do
This is one of the most important things to remember.
Your bank will never:
Police will never:
If someone claims to be from your bank or the police and asks for any of these things, it is a scam.
Staying one step ahead of fraud
Fraud is not going away, but awareness is one of the strongest tools you have.
Staying cautious, questioning urgency, and slowing down decisions can make the difference between protecting yourself and becoming a victim.
If you want more information or fraud prevention resources, visit the Barrie Police website or follow their social media channels. Their fraud unit also offers community presentations for local groups, businesses, and organizations.
Taking a few extra minutes today can save months or years of stress later.
7)Five arrested for drug-related offences in Midland and Barrie
Courtesy Barrie360.com and News Release
By Staff, February 16, 2026
Five people were arrested after OPP executed two drug related search warrants in Midland and Barrie as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected cocaine trafficking.
Officers executed the first warrant on the afternoon of February 12 at a residence on Bay Street in Midland. Five individuals were found inside. Four were jointly charged, while a fifth was arrested on an unrelated outstanding warrant.
During the search, officers seized approximately 280 grams of cocaine and about $1,300 in Canadian currency.
Following the Midland arrests, police searched an apartment on Mary Street in Barrie.
Officers seized approximately 635 grams of cocaine and more than $40,000 in Canadian currency.
The investigation continues.
8)Long guns, knives seized after standoff with man in Barrie
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Ian MacLennan, February 16, 2026
Barrie police were sent to an east end home shortly before 11 p.m. on Sunday after paramedics at a medical-related call reported a man within the residence seen brandishing a firearm.
Upon arrival at the Ottaway Avenue residence, officers, along with the K9 Unit, established a containment area around the home.
“After some time, the male approached the front door but refused to show his hands. A conducted energy weapon (CEW) was successfully deployed, and the male was taken into custody without further incident,” police said in a news release.
A search warrant was later executed at the residence, resulting in the recovery of several long guns, knives, and ammunition from the residence.
A 61-year-old Barrie man is charged with: