Police call out ‘Grinch-like behaviour’ after holiday display goes missing from Barrie waterfront

Police are looking for a suspect who has stolen a piece of holiday spirit from Barrie’s waterfront. A bear display, set up by the Rotary Club, was taken just days after being installed for the winter season.

The Rotary Club says the display was part of its Festival of Trees event. It was hit twice in the past week, some items reportedly stolen, others vandalized.

A nearby resident said, “Very unfortunate vandalism. There’s no need for it, and everybody seemed to enjoy the scenery and the lights and it’s very unfortunate.”

Jody Patfield from the Rotary Club of Barrie shared her disappointment, “It is very frustrating to see that happen and ah honestly we’re just hoping that if somebody sees one of our displays around or has any knowledge of it get the product back to us we’ll happily repair it and get it back out.”

Barrie Police have been notified and are investigating, saying they hope a nearby business with video cameras may have captured those responsible.

Barrie Police Service spokesperson Peter Leon said, “Now that we are aware of this activity taking place we’ll be increasing patrols in the area to make sure this doesn’t happen and the remaining displays are left for the intended purpose for the enjoyment of all of our community.”

The Rotary Club says the items and damage are estimated at about $3,000. They’ve been doing the display for about 15 years and hope to continue.

Patfield added, “You know what somebody made a bad decision and we’re hoping that maybe they regret the decision, or somebody knows of it and you can get the stuff back to us.”

Police are asking anyone who may know the whereabouts of the items or who is responsible to come forward. As for the Rotary Club, they simply want the items returned.