UPDATE (Dec. 27): Between Dec. 24 and 26, officers of the Ontario Provincial Police investigated numerous thefts that occurred in the Town of Collingwood. Several items were taken from unlocked vehicles including gift cards, cash, bank cards and tools. At one point during their bout of theft, suspects stole a vehicle and used stolen cards to pay for fuel.
In total, 19 incidents were investigated.
As a result of evidence gathered by the Collingwood OPP and with the public's assistance, two male suspects were identified. On-duty officers then located the two males while patrolling the streets of Collingwood. One male fled on foot as officers initiated the arrest of the second male. One officer was assaulted during the arrest but was not injured. The second suspect was located a short time later and arrested without incident.
In total, 37 criminal charges were laid by police and outstanding warrants were executed. Among the charges laid were:
- Theft Under $5000
- Take Motor Vehicle without consent
- Use of Credit Card
- Possession of Property obtained by Crime
- Possession of Proceeds obtained by Crime
- Assault a Peace Officer
- Flight from Police
Charged are 33-year-old Richard Asselstine of Orillia, and 30-year-old William Cook of Collingwood. Both males were held in custody pending a bail hearing today.
Collingwood OPP wants to acknowledge that the assistance of the public is always appreciated. If anyone has information or video evidence of these crimes, we ask that you 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.
ORIGINAL RELEASE (Dec. 26): The Collingwood Ontario Provincial Police have announced two arrests following several reports of thefts from vehicles on Christmas Eve and Christmas day.
"In the past 48 hours, the #CwoodOPP has been actively investigating reports of thefts from motor vehicles," wrote the local OPP in a post to social media this evening, Dec. 26.
Two men have been arrested.
Anyone with information or residential video is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or locally at 705.445.4321.
Police have promised more information is forthcoming.
