Two people have been arrested in regional South Australia amid an investigation into the passing of counterfeit cash, police say.
SA Police said detectives from Kadina, on Yorke Peninsula, searched a home at nearby North Moonta on Tuesday, and that officers allegedly found more than 30 fake notes.
A man and a woman, aged 38 and 32 respectively, were arrested and charged with deception, police said.
Kadina police also allegedly found an imitation firearm and a machete at the property, and charged the man with possessing a prohibited weapon, and a firearm without a licence.
Earlier this month, police issued a warning about the circulation of fake money after two separate arrests and dozens of incidents in recent months.
Counterfeit cash is circulating. Here’s how to spot a fake note
SA Police said the latest arrests were “part of an ongoing investigation into recent reports of counterfeit notes” in the Yorke and Mid North regions, and that forensic examinations were continuing.
Police said the man had been refused police bail and appeared in court on Wednesday, while the woman was bailed ahead of an expected appearance in the Kadina Magistrates Court in December.
Police have reiterated advice to businesses, retail staff and consumers, suggesting they “take a little extra time to check their notes when making purchases and receiving change”.
Anyone who suspects they have been passed a counterfeit note has been advised to handle it “as little as possible and store it in an envelope”, and report it to the police assistance line on 131 444.
“Tell police the time and place where you believe you were passed the fake bank note and a description of the person or people you believe passed it to you,” they said.
“Police recommend that anyone accepting money check the texture of the note, other in-built security features and printing.
“To determine if a suspect note is counterfeit, it is best to compare it with a note that is known to be genuine.”
