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'Pretty disgusting': Boys charged following daycare vandalism

Barrie police say suspects, aged 12 and 13, defecated and urinated on play structures at Mapleview West facility

Two young boys, aged 12 and 13, are facing criminal charges after a child-care centre in Barrie's south end was broken into last week. 

Police allege the suspects defecated and urinated on equipment inside the play area. 

Barrie police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon said officers were called to the Growing Minds Learning Centre, located at 555 Mapleview Dr. W., on Friday, Aug. 12 after the facility reported it had been vandalized.

“From the investigation, police were able to determine the incident occurred shortly after 9 p.m on Aug. 11,” he told BarrieToday. 

Police say the two male suspects climbed into the play area where they damaged toys and then proceeded to relieve themselves on the play structures.

"There was both urination and defecation involved," Leon said. "It's pretty disgusting."

Two boys were arrested and charged by the investigating officer on Saturday, Aug. 13 at Barrie Police Headquarters and are now facing charges on mischief under $5,000.

“We don’t have a dollar figure on the cost of cleaning or damages, but from what I understand, the facility was not in position to operate outside until that was taken care of,” Leon said. “Obviously, we don’t, thankfully, see this type of criminal activity in our community too often and we don’t want to see any more of it.

"It’s safe to say that where we are able to identify people who break the law that we will hold them accountable for their actions… and we can certainly say that in this case, no matter what their age," he added.