Area merchants warned to be vigilant in light of counterfeit US $100 bills

The Edmonton Police Service Economic Crimes Section is warning area merchants to be vigilant about checking serial numbers on US $100 bills, after a recent influx of counterfeit currency was reported to police.

Economic Crimes Section’ detectives are investigating numerous incidents involving counterfeit US $100 notes, dating back to the beginning of October. More than 120 counterfeit bills containing similar serial numbers have been used at Edmonton-area businesses.



A male suspect believed to be responsible for passing the counterfeit cash is targeting big box stores across Edmonton, said Det. Bill Allen, of the EPS Economic Crimes Section. The individual is using the counterfeit bills to purchase electronics and gift cards.



“We want retailers across the city to be aware and to remain vigilant, especially as we head in to the busy holiday shopping season” said Allen. “Retailers are not obligated to accept any foreign currency for goods sold. It’s entirely their choice.”



The bills include the following serial number sequences, along with three varying digits.

• IJ11401_ _ _ I


• KD74872_ _ _A


• HB66698_ _ _E


• HJ61755_ _ _A

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Police investigating shooting in West Division

At approximately 5 a.m. this morning (Nov. 22, 2014) West Division officers were called to a home at 133 Street and 155 Avenue, after a report of a shooting.

It was determined that the incident occurred in a home nearby and the complainant went to a neighbour for help. The suspect had fled the area. Police cleared the residence where the shooting took place and determined no other occupants were injured.

The 30-year-old male who was shot remains in hospital in critical condition. Homicide Section has taken over the investigation from West Division. Detectives believe that the suspect and complainant know each other and that this was not a random incident.

Anyone with information about the shooting and what led up to it, is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at http://ift.tt/1az8Eve

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Sketch released to identify suspect in alleged sexual assault

The Edmonton Police Service is releasing a composite sketch to the public to help identify a suspect in an alleged sexual assault that occurred in downtown Edmonton in September 2014.

On Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014, Downtown Division officers responded to a reported sexual assault at approximately 1:30 a.m. in the area of 95 Street and 101 Avenue. A 56-year-old female was walking in the downtown area when she was allegedly approached and grabbed by an unknown male as she attempted to enter an apartment building. It was reported that the male threatened and sexually assaulted the female, who struggled against him and screamed for help. The male then fled westbound on foot from the apartment building. The female sustained minor injuries as a result of this attack.

The suspect is described as a male in his late teens to early twenties, approximately six feet tall, with a thin build, brown hair, and small, narrow eyes.

The suspect was wearing a dark blue or black spring jacket with a red stripe down the outer sleeve.

Police continue to investigate and ask anyone with information that may be able to identify the suspect to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.

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Man dragged by stolen vehicle in southeast Edmonton

The Edmonton Police Service is looking for a suspect and stolen vehicle after a man was dragged by it at a residence earlier this week.

On Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014 at approximately 6:12 a.m., a theft of auto was called in to the Edmonton Police Service in the area of 83 Street and 29 Avenue. It was reported that a 61-year-old man went to his vehicle in the morning that was parked in a residential parking lot overnight and as he approached the driver side door to unlock it, he heard his vehicle start up and saw someone in the vehicle. The man had his key and hand on the door handle when the vehicle sped off, allegedly dragging the man a short distance.

EPS and EMS responded to the scene, found the man lying on the ground then treated and transported him to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The vehicle is described as a 1995, gold coloured Jeep Grand Cherokee with the Alberta licence plate BNS 2311.

*not actual vehicle*

The suspect is described as a Caucasian male between the ages of 20 and 30.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or suspect is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.

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Police warn Canadian Finals Rodeo fans about online ticket scam

The Edmonton Police Service is warning the public to be vigilant when purchasing tickets online, after identifying more than 30 instances of an online scam for Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) tickets.

The EPS has noted a series of incidents on Kijiji in which online sellers provide an excuse as to why they cannot meet the CFR ticket buyer in person. The seller then requests an online e-transfer from the buyer as payment, and once payment has been received, the seller fails to deliver the tickets and ends all contact with the buyer.

If you are trying to purchase tickets from an online platform, take the following steps:

• Purchase tickets through an authorized seller.


• Obtain a bill of sale from the seller and confirm their identity through government-issued photo identification.


• Conduct the sale in a public location with surveillance cameras, such as a police station.


• There is no way to confirm the ticket you receive is valid until you attempt to gain entry to the event. As such, take the above precautions to ensure you do not fall victim to this scam.

Citizens are reminded to protect their property by removing all valuables from vehicles while attending events.

Anyone who has fallen victim to this scam or has further information is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/10EDMb7

Homicide detectives investigate early-morning shooting at club

The Edmonton Police Service Homicide Section is investigating a shooting this morning that claimed the life of a 31-year-old male.

Downtown Division members responded to a weapon’s complaint at a club near 111 Street and 107 Avenue, at approximately 12:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, Nov. 5.



Upon arrival members found a deceased male on the floor of the club, who appeared to have sustained at least one gun-shot wound. An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday morning to confirm cause of death and identity of the deceased.



Investigators continue to interview a number of witnesses who were on scene, at the time of the shooting. Police are looking for a suspect, who is considered armed and dangerous, who is described as being a black male, in his mid-20s, approximately 6’3” tall with a medium build. The suspect has a beard and visible scars on his neck.



Anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at http://ift.tt/1az8Eve.

from Media Releases http://ift.tt/1sgIm6P

Big ticket event hands out over 2,300 violations

More than 2,300 traffic tickets were issued last week by Edmonton Police Service officers and automated enforcement during Operation 24 Hours.

In the 24-hour enforcement period starting at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014, 1,866 speeding violations were issued. There were 514 additional tickets issued for a variety of violations, including seatbelt infractions, impaired driving, distracted driving, traffic safety violations and Criminal Code violations.

One motorist, operating a Pontiac Grand Am on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014, was stopped by North Division patrol officers at Yellowhead Trail and Victoria Trail for failing to obey a traffic control device. The motorist failed to provide documentation, and investigation by officers determined the male motorist was wanted on five outstanding warrants, including three counts of sexual assault. The motorist was taken into custody and charged with suspended driving and breach of recognizance.

There were 2,380 tickets issued for the October Operation 24 Hours, a slight decrease from 2,670 tickets issued during the August 2014 enforcement.

The Edmonton Police Service conducts Operation 24 Hours throughout the year to improve traffic safety in Edmonton by targeting excessive speeding and dangerous driving practices.

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