POLICE have warned Malvern businesses to be on their guard after a number of forged £20 notes were reportedly being used across South Worcestershire.
Officers are urging traders and shoppers to be vigilant by checking notes before accepting them.
Traders should use whatever devices are at their disposal, such as ultraviolet light scanners, to ensure the authenticity of the £20 notes and to closely check the security features on them.
Checks include the metallic thread embedded in the banknote, raised printing of the words Bank of England, a holographic foil image which changes colour when lit, an image of a note’s value appears under ultraviolet light and the texture of a counterfeit note feels different to a real one.
Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers.org.uk.
