SNOWMOBILE STOLEN IN GRAVENURST EVADES POLICE IN BRIEF CHASE SUNDAY MORNING IN BRACEBRIDGE, FOLLOWING WEEK-LONG OPP INVESTIGATION

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

GRAVENHURST — Police in Bracebridge gave up chase of a snowmobile for safety reasons early Sunday after suspecting it was one of a pair of sleds stolen in Gravenhurst just days before.

On Monday, February 9, officers responded to a report of a theft of a snowmobile during the very early morning hours, likely between 1-3 a.m. from an address on First Street South.

It is described as a yellow Ski-Doo MXZ possibly bearing marker 839229.

Three days later, Thursday, February 12, officers also responded to another theft of a second snowmobile again in the early morning hours from an address on nearby David Street, east of Bethune Drive, in Gravenhurst.

That one is said to be a 1994 Ski-Doo MXZ, yellow and black in colour, bearing marker 780373.

Then three more days later, this past Sunday, February 15, once more at 5:40 a.m., an officer was conducting proactive patrols in the town of Bracebridge and observed a snowmobile matching the description of one of the stolen snowmobiles travelling southbound on Manitoba Street near Kimberly Avenue. Then again on Dill Street near Wellington Street.

Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop; however the snowmobile failed to stop and fled.

Police say in the interest of public safety, officers discontinued their pursuit.

They ask that anyone with information to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Or if you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.crimestopperssdm.com.

The OPP shared this five-second video of one of one stolen sled.