*The article was edited after its original publication to include the EPS update from April 27.
ESTEVAN — An Estevan woman faces several fraud charges after police were called to investigate the alleged misuse of government assistance vouchers.
On Friday, members of the Estevan Police Service (EPS) were alerted by the Ministry of Social Services to the fraudulent use of multiple vouchers. A few hours later, a local business reported that a customer was attempting to make a purchase with a suspicious voucher.
Officers attended and arrested a 32-year-old Estevan woman. She was charged with three counts of fraud and is scheduled to appear in Estevan Provincial Court at a later date. Police say the investigation is ongoing and further charges are pending.
Meanwhile, a 22-year-old Estevan man was taken into custody after allegedly stealing a bicycle from outside a local business. Police say the owner had left the bike unattended for a short time and returned to find it missing. Officers located the suspect shortly afterward as he was spray-painting the bike in an attempt to disguise it. He has been charged with theft and mischief to property and was remanded into custody to appear in court.
In a separate incident, police received a report of a female acting inappropriately and partially exposing herself during a verbal altercation outside a downtown business. She was arrested and the matter remains under investigation.
Officers were also called to assist staff at a local liquor establishment after a woman who had previously been banned entered the premises. Police spoke to the woman, who was cautioned and left without further incident.
Additionally, officers responded to a driving complaint involving an unauthorized driver operating a vehicle without a proper licence. That investigation is ongoing.
On Saturday, EPS received a report of a woman in distress walking with a large suitcase in central Estevan. Police and a crisis worker responded and determined the woman was waiting for a ride. She was transported to a safe place to wait.
On April 27, police were called to Walmart to a report of a male and female leaving the store with a lawnmower. Police attended and located their vehicle with the lawnmower in the back seat and found the subjects in the store filling up another cart of merchandise.
The individuals are a 53-year-old female and a 57-year-old male from Regina, both of whom were arrested. The investigation determined that the pair are also suspects in a theft from Canadian Tire in Melville and from locations in Weyburn. Charges for each of the offences have been laid, with matters set for appearance in both Estevan and Weyburn Provincial Courts.
EPS members also attended to a disturbance call at a local business downtown. As a result of the complaint, a 53-year-old Estevan female has been charged under the Alcohol Gaming Regulations Act for re-entering a license premise after being asked to leave.
Police were called to a local restaurant in response to a report of an intoxicated male. Members attended and arrested a 22-year-old Estevan male for being intoxicated in a public place. He was lodged in cells to be released when sober.
A noise complaint related to a loud stereo was received during nightshift. Members attended and warned the residents under the noise bylaw. Residents agreed to lower the volume on the stereo.
A report of a disturbance at a local trailer park was investigated and determined to be a loud verbal argument. Both parties were warned, and no further action was required.
Staff at a local lounge reported several males causing a disturbance. Members attended the business and assisted with removing the unwanted patrons.
A report of a male breaching court ordered conditions of no contact with another person was received and remains under investigation.
