Police urge shoppers to ‘check notes’

They are also encouraging people to report any suspicious incidents to police, pointing out that it is a criminal offence to try to pass or keep a banknote that you either know or suspect to be counterfeit.

A PSNI spokesman sid: “If you inadvertently receive a note that you believe to be counterfeit, you should take it to the nearest police station.”

There are a number of steps, which can be taken to raise awareness amongst retailers and customers, and also to deter criminals such as displaying clear warning signs stating: ‘COUNTERFEIT CURRENCY CHECKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT’, ensuring store staff are aware of how to examine notes and having a policy for shop staff to follow on discovery of a counterfeit note which should include the retention of the note and contacting the police, with a description of the person passing the suspect banknote.

Genuine notes can be recognised by the following observations:

• Does the main printing feel raised?

• Can you see a bold and clear watermark when the note is held up to the light?

• Does the note feel crisp and not limp, waxy or shiny?

• Is the print clear, sharp and well defined?

• Are the colours clear and distinct? Compare the suspect note against a note which is known to be genuine.

• Is the security thread continuous when the note is held up to the light?