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2 suspects charged in connection with Christmas thefts in Collingwood

An Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) patch is seen in Ottawa, on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby (Spencer Colby/The Canadian Press)

Ontario Provincial Police have arrested two men allegedly involved in more than a dozen Christmas thefts in Collingwood.

The suspects are accused of taking gift cards, cash, bank cards and tools from unlocked vehicles between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.

Police added the men allegedly stole a vehicle and used stolen cards to pay for fuel.

On Wednesday, the two were located by officers on patrol. Police said one suspect fled on foot but was taken into custody shortly.

During the arrest, police said one officer was assaulted but did not sustain physical injuries.

The two suspects have been identified as 33-year-old Richard Asselstine and 30-year-old William Cook,

Investigators have laid 37 charges against them, including theft under $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, and assaulting a peace officer.