Gift cards, cash stolen from unlocked vehicles in Collingwood, Ont., lead to charges | CBC News

Two people have been arrested and charged in relation to a string of thefts from vehicles in Collingwood, Ont., between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, police say.

The accused face 37 charges related to 19 incidents, after several items were taken from unlocked vehicles in the town, including gift cards, cash, bank cards and tools, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said in a release Friday.

Police allege the men also stole a vehicle during the spree and at one point used stolen bank cards to pay for gas.

Police said they began investigating after receiving several reports of thefts from vehicles in Collingwood over Christmas, according to the release.

With the public’s assistance, the two men were identified and arrested Thursday by police on patrol in the town.

During the arrest, one of the men fled and an officer was assaulted though uninjured, police say.

The two men, 30 and 33, were scheduled to appear at a bail hearing Friday morning, police say. 

The charges include theft under $5,000, taking a motor vehicle without consent, assault of a peace officer and flight from police. The man who fled was arrested shortly after without incident, police say.

Police are asking anyone with more information or video footage of the incidents to come forward. Tips can also be left anonymously with Crime Stoppers.