Warning on counterfit notes

28 February 2012

Police are warning shop workers and businesses to be on the alert after a number of incidents in the past week where counterfeit notes were handed over in payment for goods.

Among the incidents are:

· Portions of chips being purchased from a shop in Beccles on two occasions within ten minutes on Tuesday 21 February. In both cases counterfeit £20 notes were handed over and change received.

· A fake £20 was handed over for low-value goods at a shop in Wangford on Saturday 25 February. Again change was given.

· A fake note was presented to a shop in Aldeburgh High Street on Tuesday 21 February but they realised it was fake and did not accept it.

· Further similar incidents in Saxmundham on Thursday 23, Snape on Saturday 25, Walberswick, Eyke and Woodbridge.

Police are asking all businesses to be careful and to check all £20 for watermarks, etc. The forged notes are said to be on paper that ‘feels different’ to standard notes in weight and texture. Officers are working to trace those involved and are asking anyone with information about the incidents to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously if required, on 0800 555 111.