Traders in fake £20 note alert (From Gazette & Herald)

Traders in fake £20 note alert

SHOPKEEPERS and businesses in North Yorkshire market towns have been warned to be on their guard against fake banknotes after counterfeit currency was seized.

PC Ray Thwaites, Helmsley community officer, said the actions of eagle-eyed and quick-thinking bar staff at The Crown Hotel, Market Place, Helmsley, had brought the danger to light and led to the arrest of a woman in connection with a suspect £20 note.

The 52-year-old was questioned over a suspected fraud and later released on police bail pending further inquiries and forensic examination of the note.

PC Thwaites said: "Immediately after this incident I radioed for the police community support officers in the area to make inquiries with local shops in Helmsley."

"The officers discovered one (suspect £20 note) had been passed at Castlegate Caf and Bakery. I believe this woman is linked to both incidents. I'm warning shopkeepers to be extra vigilant and check cash they receive. My personal theory is that people pass these notes and try to obtain as much change back as possible."

A 21-year-old member of staff at The Crown Hotel, who asked not to be named, alerted the police. The worker said: "It was pretty obvious it was fake. I could tell by the feel, it felt like photocopied paper. I'd warn people to be vigilant.

"This woman tried to buy a 90p drink with a £20, without apologising for not having any change, people should keep their eyes open for things like that."

PC Thwaites said the forged notes were fairly good fakes and very similar to the real thing in print and colour. However, on the hologram the "20" is missing and, when held next to a genuine note, the fake is obvious. He said the notes could be in circulation throughout York and North Yorkshire.

The two counterfeit notes both have the serial number AB45591305. PC Thwaites said people who thought they may have a fake note should contact the police by phoning the Ryedale Witness Line on 01723 509662 or York Police Station on 01904 631321.

Updated: 09:18 Saturday, June 05, 2004