Salina Police Captain Mike Sweeney has a word of advice for clerks, “They need to educate themselves on the security features of bills,” he said.

Captain Sweeney’s comments came during a media conference on Wednesday as police are now investigating three new incidents of counterfeit bills being used to purchase items at three Salina stores.

Police say a blonde, middle aged white female used a counterfeit $20 at the Pretzel Maker inside the Central Mall on Monday afternoon to purchase food items. Staff told officers she had a baby in a stroller and a toddler along with her.

Monday evening between 5pm and 6pm, police say a thin, white male with a thick beard stubble and wearing a hard hat – allegedly used five, counterfeit $10 to purchase items at the Kwik Shop located at 2003 S. Ohio.

Police were also contacted by Sunflower Bank, after they found a counterfeit $100 in a deposit bag from Casey’s Convenience Store at 500 North Ohio. Police link it to business done at Casey’s on July 25th.

Captain Sweeney says if clerks suspect that they have been handed a counterfeit bill to contact police immediately. “They can refuse the bill for payment,” he said.

“Or if they don’t want a confrontation they can try and get a tag number and get a description of their vehicle.”

Sweeney added those who handle money should check the watermark of each bill along with the security strip. “Check the feel and size of the bill,” he said.

Earlier this week, three Salina business reported they received counterfeit money during the weekend: Kwik Shop on W. Schilling Road, Braum’s on S. Ohio and Rod’s Convenience Store on S. Santa Fe.

Police believe the incidents are connected and it could be a group of people who are working together.