ESTEVAN — The Estevan Police Service (EPS) says it has recovered counterfeit Canadian currency that was used to purchase items at local businesses.
In a news release posted Feb. 23, the EPS reminded the public to exercise caution when accepting cash, whether it be during private sales such as garage sale transactions, or in day-to-day business operations.
“Counterfeit bank notes can appear genuine at first glance. The colour, paper type, holograms, and printed details may closely resemble legitimate currency,” the EPS said.
If someone is a cashier or conducting a private sale, and has any doubt about the authenticity of a bank note presented, the EPS recommends not completing the transaction. Taking a moment to carefully examine the bill can help prevent financial loss and further circulation of counterfeit currency.
The police report for Feb. 19 noted police received two separate reports of counterfeit $20 bills being passed at local businesses. Both matters remain under investigation.
In other recent news, the EPS says it received a report of a suspicious vehicle on the Airport Road early in the morning of Feb. 19. The matter was passed on to the Estevan RCMP and the EPS attended to assist. The vehicle was located and two individuals were identified inside. The RCMP was updated by EPS. No further information was immediately available.
The EPS received numerous parking complaints throughout the day. The EPS said officers responded and exercised discretion due to the significant amount of recent snow.
Police attended a disturbance at a residence in the east end. Officers spoke with the involved parties and were able to mediate a temporary resolution.
Police also conducted a wellness check on an Estevan man regarding an uttering threats investigation being handled by the RCMP’s Carnduff detachment. He was located and reported to be in good health. The RCMP was updated accordingly.
Police received a report of criminal harassment that the EPS says remains under investigation.
A 44-year-old Estevan man was arrested for assault on Feb. 20. According to the EPS, the man, who is currently bound by a conditional sentence order (CSO), has been charged with assault and breach of his CSO. He was remanded into custody and was scheduled to appear in Estevan Provincial Court on Feb. 23. No further information was available.
Police received a report of mischief in a business parking lot. The EPS says matter remains under investigation.
Officers responded to two separate commercial business alarms. One business was found to be secure and required no further police action. The second business was found to be insecure. As no property representative was available, the EPS said police secured the premises.
Police were called to a local business regarding an intoxicated man who was loitering. Officers attended and identified him as a 42-year-old Estevan resident. As he lives alone and could not be safely transported home, the EPS said members located a responsible, sober individual who agreed to care for him until he was sober.
Police also received a report of a man failing to pay his taxi fare. Officers located the man, who was intoxicated and confused about his whereabouts. He was found inside an unsecured residential garage. As he also lives alone and could not be transported home safely, he was released into the care of a responsible, sober individual. The EPS said the man would address the outstanding taxi fare once sober.
During a vehicle stop, police arrested a 29-year-old woman. The EPS said a standard field sobriety test and drug recognition expert evaluation were conducted. The matter remains under investigation.
Police performed condition compliance checks Feb. 21 on individuals under supervision or control in the community. A 42-year-old Estevan woman was arrested for a conditional sentence order breach for not complying. She was lodged in cells to appear in Estevan Provincial Court on Feb. 23.
Police received a report of fraud on Feb. 22. The complainant reported unauthorized e-transfers being withdrawn from their bank account. The matter remains under investigation.
Police received a report of impersonation. The complainant advised that an unknown individual created a social media account using the victim’s name and identity. The investigation is ongoing.
Police were called to a residence in south Estevan for a reported disturbance. Upon arrival, officers learned the individual responsible had already left the area, and no further police assistance was required.
