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Police in Canada have arrested two people accused of hiding a collection of stolen classic cars worth more than $2 million in a barn in southwestern Ontario, according to Global News. The discovery, which includes vehicles dating back to the early 20th century, came after months of investigation. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a tip about stolen vehicles in Lambton County late last year. This tip led to a multi-departmental investigation, culminating in the issuance of a search warrant
Police in Canada have arrested two people accused of hiding a collection of stolen classic cars worth more than $2 million in a barn in southwestern Ontario, according to Global News. The discovery, which includes vehicles dating back to the early 20th century, came after months of investigation.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a tip about stolen vehicles in Lambton County late last year. The tip led to a multi-departmental investigation, culminating in a search warrant issued on May 14 for a property in Stirling, a rural community 15 miles north of Belleville. While executing the search warrant, officers found the stolen vehicles hidden in a shed on the property.
The OPP’s official social media posts showed officers seized 16 classic vehicles as proceeds of crime. Although the specific models were not detailed, accompanying photos showed a collection that included first-generation Chevrolet Corvettes, hot rods and pre-war pickup trucks. The total value of the seized vehicles was estimated at approximately $3 million Canadian, or approximately $2.2 million USD.
Following the search, Robert Bradshaw and Gary Leblanc, both residents of Stirling, were arrested. They were charged with motor vehicle theft over $5,000, fraud over $5,000, use of forged documents and conspiracy to commit a crime. In addition, Leblanc was accused of making threats.
“Collaboration within our organization and with our partner agencies is imperative to combat the prevalence of auto theft and related fraud in Ontario,” OPP Detective Paula Milne said in a statement to Global News. “This investigation is further evidence of the increase we have seen in recent years in car thefts and financial crimes and the need for expert involvement in these investigations.”
Bradshaw and Leblanc are not new to legal troubles. In December 2003, both pleaded guilty to multiple charges under Ontario’s Motor Vehicle Dealers Act. The ongoing investigation indicates that further consequences may result from the current charges.
The discovery of such a significant collection of stolen vehicles highlights the increasing number of car thefts and related crimes in the region. The OPP continues to investigate, with the goal of uncovering further details and connections to this high-profile case.
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