2 scrooges busted for Christmas thefts

A man is handcuffed in this undated file image.

Gift cards, cash, bank cards and tools were stolen from several unlocked vehicles between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day in Collingwood.

Additionally, a vehicle was also stolen and the stolen cards were used to pay for fuel.

In all, 19 incidents were investigated by the Collingwood Ontario Provincial Police.

With the public's assistance, police say two men were identified. Officers located the two men in Collingwood and while one was being arrested, an officer was injured.

The second suspect fled on foot but was arrested a short time later without incident.

In total, 37 criminal charges were laid by police and outstanding warrants were executed. Among the charges laid were:

• Theft under $5,000
• Take motor vehicle without consent
• Use of credit card
• Possession of property obtained by crime
• Possession of proceeds obtained by crime
• Assaulting a peace officer
• Flight from police

Charged are a 33-year-old Orillia man and a 30-year-old Collingwood man. Both men were held in custody pending a bail hearing December 27.

Collingwood OPP wants to acknowledge the public's assistance. If anyone has information or video evidence of these crimes, police ask that you come forward. OPP may be contacted at 1-888-310-1122 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS.