ESTEVAN, Sask. — The Estevan Police Service (EPS) handled a number of complaints involving scams, including a couple that resulted in financial losses.
According to the Nov. 6 report, police received a report of fraud involving nearly $10,000. The EPS said the victim received a telephone call from an individual claiming to be a bank employee investigating fraudulent transactions on their account. The victim provided information that allowed the caller to access their account and transfer money.
"Police remind the public not to provide personal or banking information in response to unsolicited calls. If someone contacts you claiming to be from your financial institution, hang up and contact the bank directly using a verified telephone number to confirm the legitimacy of the call," the EPS said.
Police also received a report of an individual being scammed out of money after being convinced to purchase gift cards and provide the card numbers to the suspect. The EPS said the matter remains under investigation.
Police also reminded the public that requests for payment using gift cards are a strong indication of a scam. Residents are encouraged to educate family members about these types of scams in an effort to prevent further financial losses.
"Despite ongoing public reminders, these scams continue to affect individuals in our community," the EPS said.
Members received reports of two additional attempts to scam individuals through letters claiming they were entitled to receive money from an overseas estate. The EPS encourages the public to exercise caution when receiving unexpected notices claiming an inheritance or financial award, particularly when personal information or money is requested.
That same day, the EPS received a complaint in the Trojan subdivision regarding a vehicle being driven at excessive speeds and creating unnecessary noise. The EPS said it intends to increase enforcement in the area.
Police received a third-party report of an assault. The EPS said the matter remains under investigation.
Officers received a driving complaint involving a vehicle failing to stop at four-way intersections in the downtown area. The vehicle's licence plate was identified, the EPS said, and the registered owner might face charges under owner-liability legislation. The matter remains under investigation.
The EPS and other emergency crews responded to a two-vehicle collision in the 800 block of Fourth Street.
Members received a report of uttering threats following a disagreement between roommates. The EPS said one person is alleged to have made threats toward the others. The matter remains under investigation.
Police received a report of mischief involving damage to a Canada Post mailbox. The EPS said the matter remains under investigation.
Officers received a report of a man in the east end causing a disturbance by shouting at individuals walking past his residence. The EPS said the matter remains under investigation.
The EPS was asked to remove an unwanted, intoxicated guest from a residence. The EPS said the individual was taken into custody and lodged in cells until sober. No charges were laid.
Police received a telephone call from the Provincial Electronic Monitoring Unit advising that an individual on release conditions was away from their designated monitoring station, triggering an alarm. The unit requested that the EPS speak with the individual and issue a warning. No charges were requested, the EPS said.
Police received a report of a theft from a local convenience store. The EPS said the matter remains under investigation.
Officers received a report Nov. 7 of a stolen truck. A red Dodge Ram was taken from a residence in the Hillside area, and the EPS said the vehicle was later located in water north of the city. Police are asking anyone with information that may assist with the investigation to contact the EPS.
Police received a report of a man sleeping on playground swings in the Hillcrest area. Officers attended to check on the individual, but the EPS said he had already left the area.
Police received a report of uttering threats. The EPS said the matter remains under investigation.
Police received a report from an individual who answered a telephone call and was told the caller had nude photographs of the recipient. Recognizing this as a scam, the individual immediately ended the call, the EPS said. The matter remains under investigation.
Police received a report concerning an elderly man who had not been seen by his neighbours for several days. Police attended the residence and found the man on the floor in medical distress after a fall. Estevan EMS attended and transported him to hospital.
Police received a report of mischief Nov. 8 involving SaskPower equipment. The matter was reported to SaskPower and remains under investigation.
Police received video footage showing a suspicious individual in the complainant's yard. The incident may be connected to other criminal activity in the area, the EPS said, and it also remains under investigation.
Police received a report of an individual spraying a dog with a substance. Police attended, and the EPS said officers determined the incident was related to a tenant dispute. The EPS said one person alleged that another's dog would become aggressive toward them when they attempted to leave the residence. The dog was sprayed with a repellent. The matter remains under investigation.
A few other incidents are under investigation, the EPS said, including a domestic assault, uttering death threats, and threats and harassment.
Police attended a dispute between a landlord and tenant after the landlord attended the rental property without providing proper notice. The EPS said the landlord was advised to leave and follow the appropriate procedures for providing notice before attending the property.
