37 charges laid in Christmas crime spree in an Ontario town

In a Grinch-like crime spree, gift cards and cash were taken over Christmas in an Ontario town.

Between Dec. 24 and 26, 19 thefts were reported in the Town of Collingwood, OPP said.

Several items were taken from unlocked vehicles including gift cards, cash, bank cards and tools. The thefts also included a stolen vehicle an stolen cards used to pay for fuel, police said.

With the public’s assistance, the OPP said it identified two men believed to be connected to the crimes.

Officers found the two men while patrolling the streets of Collingwood, police said.

Police said one man fled on foot as officers arrested the other man. An officer was allegedly assaulted during the arrest but was not injured, police said.

The second man was found a short time later and arrested without incident.

In total, 37 criminal charges were laid by police and outstanding warrants were executed. Charges include theft under $5,000; taking a motor vehicle without consent; use of credit card; possession of property obtained by crime; possession of proceeds obtained by crime; assault a peace officer; and flight from police.

Two men face charges. Richard Asselstine, 33, of Orillia, and William Cook, 33, of Collingwood.

Both men were held in custody pending a bail hearing on Dec. 27.

Collingwood OPP  asks anyone with information or video evidence of these crimes to come forward. The Ontario Provincial Police may be contacted at 1-888-310-1122 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS. Police case file is C24124492.