Counterfeit money is believed to be circulating around Traralgon as police urge merchants to be vigilant when accepting cash over the counter.
It comes as police allege a man used a counterfeit $50 note at Traralgon Hungry Jacks on Wednesday, 7 June about 4.20pm.
Police said staff at the fast food store were suspicious of the note and refused to accept it.
Following the incident, police executed a search warrant at a 26 year-old Traralgon man’s home.
The man was arrested and taken to Traralgon Police Station for questioning and later released pending summons.
He will appear before the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
Police have warned businesses to be cautious when accepting cash as they said there has been other recent reports of counterfeit notes being presented.
Operation Regal a success
About 3000 breath tests have been conducted in Latrobe since midnight Friday as part of Operation Regal.
A booze bus from the Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section from Melbourne spent three nights in the region and has so far conducted more than 2000 preliminary breath tests.
Four people allegedly exceeded the alcohol limit, according to police, who said three drivers allegedly tested positive for drugs in the Latrobe Valley as well. Division 5 Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant Jason Hullick said the penalties for those caught over the weekend ranged from six months loss of licence and fines above $400.
In addition to the booze bus from Melbourne, Latrobe Highway Patrol officers have conducted 800 breath tests since midnight Friday, with no drink drivers detected by local police.
However, highway patrol detected 41 driving offences in Latrobe as part of the operation.
Operation Regal finishes at 11.59pm, Monday 12 June.
Hoon causes fire
Hoon driving is believed to have been the cause of a small fire at Hazelwood South on Monday, 5 June about 5.30pm.
Morwell police said a silver Holden Commodore was allegedly doing burn outs on Government Road before it lost control and veered into thick scrub.
Police believe the heat created from the engine of the vehicle caused a small fire in the front of the car.
Police ask anyone with information to phone Morwell Police Station on 5131 5000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
