Two Youth Arrested After Using Counterfeit Currency

Two males are facing charges after using counterfeit currency at two pet supply stores in Ajax and Whitby.

On Thursday, January 15, 2026, members of West Division responded to a fraud call at the Ren’s Pet Store located at 280 Kingston Road East in Ajax. Two males entered the business and purchased a dog crate using counterfeit currency. The suspects then attended a second Ren’s Pet Store location at 980 Taunton Road East in Whitby, where they returned the item in exchange for legitimate currency before purchasing an additional item using further counterfeit bills. Later that evening, the suspects returned to the store in an attempt to refund the item again but were confronted by staff and fled the area.

In March 2026, both suspects surrendered themselves to police.

A 15-year-old male from Oshawa is charged with: Fraud Under $5000 x2, and Utter Counterfeit Money x2.

A 16-year-old male from Oshawa is charged with: Fraud Under $5000 x2, and Utter Counterfeit Money x2.

Both were released on an Undertaking.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the D/Cst. Kane of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5371.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.
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