BARRIE, Ont. — A man wanted for stealing women's bathing suits surrendered to authorities after city police say he confessed to his mother on Friday about the crimes.

The suspect was arrested after a woman visited the Barrie police station and told officers her son was responsible for prowling through backyards of homes in the Speirs Road and Emms Drive area where bathing suits were reported stolen.

"He confessed to his mom that he did it and she convinced him to come in (to the police station)," Const. Jamie Westcott said.

"Basically, his mom came in and said, 'My son admitted to me that he was the one who has been stealing the bathing suits' and officers asked if he could come in'," Westcott added.

In one case, a resident noticed articles of clothing missing from the backyard on four occasions and started to watch his pool area more frequently.

During the late hours of July 27, the resident noticed a man lurking around his property and chased him away.

Police later received more reports of stolen clothing dating back to Father's Day of this year.

"There was a couple that were unreported (before) police were called to the area twice," Westcott said. "If he doesn't offer up an explanation (about) why he did it and there's nothing on the radar about him, then it's hard to specifically say what reason (he did it)."

Police say the suspect stole five bathing suits, but "he disposed of them" before surrendering to police.

A 21-year-old man was arrested, processed and released. He has been charged with theft under $5,000 and a prowl by night. He faces a future court date.

barrie.news@sunmedia.ca