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Rimbey RCMP ask people to watch for ‘funny money’

RCMP says local businesses have received counterfeit currency in recent transactions
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File Photo.

In the last week Rimbey RCMP responded to 33 calls for service. These calls include, but are not limited to: three reports of suspicious vehicles; six complaints of mischief; three stolen vehicle reports; and three assault files.

In a combined effort with the Central Alberta Crime Reduction Unit, a prolific offender in the Rimbey area was taken into custody earlier this month. In the week leading up to the arrest, Rimbey RCMP had noted an above average amount of vehicle thefts and the RCMP’s Crime Reduction Unit was called upon to assist. This offender was located driving a stolen vehicle in the Red Deer, at which time RCMP were able to carry out an arrest without incident.

At the time of the arrest, this subject was found to be in possession of a controlled substance as well as numerous stolen ID’s and vehicle documents belonging to other stolen vehicles. He was also found to be in possession of an edged weapon. Eight warrants were executed as a result of this arrest and in the end received 21 new charges. In total, the offender has 33 charges ranging from possession of stolen property to failure to comply with conditions.

On another note, with the decline in the use of cash, it can sometimes be tough to identify counterfeit bills. However, in light of a few Rimbey business receiving counterfeit currency in transactions, police are warning community members to remain on the lookout for funny money.

In some similar cases around Alberta, fraudsters are taking the holograms out of legitimate $5 and $10 bills and taping them into counterfeit $50 and $100 notes. Dubbed in the news as “Frankenstein” bills, these ‘cut-and-paste’ style notes may be difficult to spot if you are not paying attention to fine details. RCMP are encouraging people to remain diligent in checking their bills for any anomalies or printing mistakes. Canadian currency has specific security features, such as raised ink and transparent images, that are difficult to replicate. By taking a few extra moments to inspect your bills, fraudsters will have a tougher and tougher time creating counterfeit money.

If you have information on this or any other crime, contact your local RCMP Detachment at 403-843-2224 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Crime Stoppers can also be contacted online at www.P3tips.com, or you can download the P3 Tips app for Android or Apple on your smart phone. You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers. If you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash award.