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Forged £20 notes in circulation around Goole and Howden
POLICE in the East Riding are warning people and retail outlets to be on their guard after a number of forged £20 bank notes are believed to be in circulation.
The bank notes appear to have been handed over to numerous local shops by customers and police are keen to get them out of circulation.
People in the area are warned to have their wits about them when dealing with bank notes and to check them carefully before accepting them.
Since January 1, 2013 the East Riding has had 29 reports of counterfeit £20 notes being used in local retailers. The majority of attempts have been in shops, however they have also been used in Post Offices and a hotel.
There have been four reports in the Hessle area, three in the Anlaby area and two have occurred in the Goole, Howden, Market Weighton, Pocklington, Willerby, Beverley, Bempton, Driffield, Garton-on-Wolds, Flamborough and South Cave areas.
The forged £20 notes have a metal strip thicker than that of a genuine one.
Crime Prevention Officer, Trace Rokahr from Beverley Police Station said: “Counterfeiting is the ultimate technology for people who want to get something for nothing. Britain’s notes contain a variety of security features but forgers still try to make the perfect copy.
“It is not difficult to see the watermark, hologram and metal thread inside banknotes.
“Banknotes which are printed for the UK have a wealth of hidden security features. Run your fingernail across the number ten in the top right corner, and you’ll feel how bumpy the surface is. The tactile intaglio print deposits the ink in recesses in the paper surface also giving the banknote its crisp, shiny quality.
“When a counterfeit note reaches a bank, the forged note is taken out of circulation, often leaving the shop keeper out of pocket. We want to educate as many companies and businesses as possible to prevent them being at a loss in the future.”
In 2009, Bank of England figures revealed 566,000 counterfeit notes in the UK. Of these, 95% were twenty pound notes.
Advice from the Bank of England:
There are currently four different denominations of Bank of England notes in circulation.
Security features help you to identify genuine banknotes.
Take your time to check your notes, particularly if light conditions are poor or you are handling a large number of notes.
Look for the security features described in these pages. Look at the note, and feel the note. Do not rely on one single feature. If you have doubts, compare the note with one that you know to be genuine.
There are some counterfeit notes about. They are completely worthless. Don’t get caught out – protect yourself and check your banknotes when you receive them.
It is a criminal offence to keep or pass on a note that you know to be counterfeit.
If you have a note that you believe is a counterfeit you must take it to the police as soon as you can. They will provide you with a receipt and send the counterfeit to the Bank for analysis. If the note is genuine reimbursement will be made in full.
* Have you been the victim of counterfeit bank notes? Why not let us know? Email editorial@gooletoday.co.uk
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Monday 20 May 2013
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