What to know
- Barrie police are warning drivers after tracking devices were found under the hoods of two newer Toyota vehicles parked at a hospital.
- Investigators believe the devices were placed to track owners’ movements and identify opportunities to steal the cars.
- Police urge drivers to regularly check their vehicles for suspicious devices, avoid touching anything unusual, and contact police immediately.
Barrie police are warning residents that tracking devices are being placed on parked cars for theft purposes.
On Wednesday, police responded to calls after two vehicle owners found tracking devices under the hood of their cars. Both owners said that prior to finding the trackers, they had also received several phone notifications indicating that a tracking device was nearby.
According to police, both vehicles were newer Toyota models, including a Toyota Tundra and a Toyota Highlander, which were parked at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, in the city’s north end.
Police say video footage dated back to Feb. 2 revealed an individual walking towards both cars and reaching under their hoods before taking off.
Investigators believe the devices were being used by suspects who wished to track their movements to find an opportunity to steal the vehicles.
The devices were later found attached to an area easily accessible from the outside of the vehicles.
GPS tracking devices found on two vehicles in Barrie parking lot believed to have been attached by would-be thieves.https://t.co/Hcw0wWKpnw pic.twitter.com/CT6SPKXzTd
— Barrie Police (@BarriePolice) February 5, 2026
Read More
Recommendations to drivers
Barrie police believe more vehicles could have had trackers attached to them, for the purpose of theft.
Drivers are recommended to stay vigilant and regularly check their vehicles for unusual signs, including looking over areas that can be accessed from the outside of the cars.
Police say although the targeted vehicles were both Toyotas, any car models could be at risk, especially newer models. While some phones may also warn users of nearby trackers, not all phones have that function.
Those who find any suspicious devices are warned to avoid touching them, and contact the police.
