Plymouth police warn of sharp rise in fake £20 notes (From Mid Devon Star)

Plymouth police warn of sharp rise in fake £20 notes

9:37am Friday 22nd June 2012 in News

Police in Plymouth are warning of a sharp rise in Officers say they have received a number of reports in the last week where counterfeit £20 notes have been used or attempted to be used at various locations across the city.

Adding that the sudden increase in the number of reports of fake cash being used suggests criminals are attempting to flood the city and catch unwary public and shopkeepers out.

The fakes are said to be good copies which could easily be passed for genuine notes if ultraviolet light or a paper currency pen does not pick them up.

A police spokesman said: “We recognise this is an ongoing problem for shop owners and we will do as much as we can to help. In recent days counterfeit cash has been used to pay for home delivery shopping, to purchase items in local convenience stores and at a fish and chip shop among others.

“Offenders seem to target smaller traders but once someone knows what to look for it is not hard to spot them even though some are very good.

“Regardless of denomination, on a genuine note the ‘Bank of England’ at the top is slightly embossed when you feel it with your fingers.

“Also, if marked with money marking pens, the ink will not leave a mark on a real note so if a mark is left the note is a fake.”

If anyone is suspicious they should refuse the transaction and report the incident to the police by calling 101.

If anyone has any information about these incidents that could help police track down those involved in the distribution of counterfeit cash, please call police on 101 and quote reference EC/12/5795, alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.