Bonnyville RCMP are reminding businesses to always check cash before accepting it, after two local gas stations fell victim to counterfeit currency.
"The texture is different, the size of the bill is slightly larger, it's missing a lot of our normal security features, and if you took the time to open it, you can easily see that it's not one of our Canadian $20 bills. But, if someone quickly slides it to you and walks out and takes their stuff, you may not notice it," Sgt. Kim Hillier detailed. "It's close enough to a $20 bill, that you have to open it and look at it. At first glance, (folded) it definitely looks like a regular $20."
The first business to report the counterfeit cash was the local Fas Gas.
On March 5, an employee reported accepting $40 in cash from a white male between 35 and 40-years of age, driving a white Dodge Caravan.
Police are asking businesses to double-check cash before accepting it after two cases where counterfeit money was used.
It was around 3 p.m. in the afternoon when police were notified the staff member had accepted cash that not only was lacking some of the common security features of real Canadian bills, but also had what police described as "Chinese or Japanese" writing on both sides.
“How they managed to (pull it off) is they took the $20 bill… folded it over so you could just see the face of the queen, handed it over, and then just drove away. As soon as you opened it, you could easily tell that it wasn’t a true $20 bill,” explained Hillier.
The second incident was on March 17. It was around 4 p.m. when officers were called to 7-Eleven about a female who had purchased gas using counterfeit currency.
“When the employee attempted to drop it into the safe, it was rejected, prompting the call to police,” Hillier said.
She continued, “After reviewing surveillance, it appears to be a Caucasian female who used the bill at the time of the purchase, and she purchased multiple iTunes gift cards, before leaving in a dark coloured pick-up."
As a result of these reports, RCMP are reminding local businesses to always check cash carefully.
If you notice the money is fraudulent right away, refuse to accept it and call police.
“If they have accepted it, try to get details down as soon as possible as far as description of the suspect and any vehicles or license plates if they’re seen leaving in a vehicle,” Hillier stressed.
According to Hillier, using counterfeit money is "pretty serious, and there are multiple charges involved."
“The worst part is the loss to the businesses. We want to try and help them protect themselves by being aware that this is going on."
RCMP asking public to identify suspects
Police are hoping the public can help identify two males who stole a $6,000 scope and two pellet handguns from Sylvestre Source for Sports in Bonnyville.
On March 15, police received a complaint that two men had taken the items without paying before leaving in an older model dark coloured Buick, four-door sedan.
"If anyone recognizes either of these males, the RCMP would like to speak with them," Hillier noted.
Police are hoping the public can help identify this suspect.
This is one of the suspects in the theft.
"Drug-induced hallucinations" result in charges for Kehewin female
“A 35-year-old female from Kehewin made a possibly false complaint to 911. When members attended, they found the female to possibly be experiencing drug-induced hallucinations. During the search, methamphetamine was located, and evidence of recent break and enters," outlined Hillier.
At 2 a.m. on March 16, officers responded to the call and charged the female with possession of methamphetamine, theft, identity theft, theft under $5,000, break and enter, and theft of a motor vehicle.
RCMP assist peace officers with arresting thieves
Two men were arrested after MD peace officers called RCMP for assistance on March 16.
It was around 8 p.m. when police attended what's known as the MD of Bonnyville's 'bone yard.'
“Tracks were followed in the snow, and two males were arrested,” Hillier described.
A 46 and 48-year-old males from Bonnyville were both arrested and charged with mischief, theft under $5,000, possession of break-in instruments, and trespassing.
They're scheduled to appear in court May 7.
Purolator van stolen
Anyone with information regarding the theft of a Purolator van on March 19 is asked to contact the local police.
According to Hillier, the van was stolen from 50 Ave., where it was parked near Off-Road Perfection for mechanical repairs.
The cube van, which didn't have parcels inside, may or may not still have the company's stickers, noted Hillier.
To contact RCMP, call 780-343-7200.
Police searching for male following incident at Players' Lounge
RCMP are hoping someone has information about an incident that took place at the Bonnyville Players Lounge on March 20.
A 35-year-old Kehewin woman called police at around 1:20 p.m. to report a male accosting her.
"He was asking her about drugs and money. This male threatened her and she was quite concerned," said Hillier.
She added, “If anyone was present at The Players Lounge at that time and have any information that might assist police in identifying the male, apparently he got irate and threw a beer glass at a VLT machine. That might be something that might jog someone’s memory."
If you have any information about the incident, contact the Bonnyville RCMP at 780-343-7200.
