Counterfeit note warning issued by police

Police are warning shopkeepers and members of the public to be extra vigilant when checking bank notes following a number of reported incidents of counterfeit notes of various denominations being passed throughout Northern Ireland recently.

Geoff Allen from the PSNI Organised Crime Squad said the passing of counterfeit currency occurs in Northern Ireland as it does in most European countries.

He continued: "However, Northern Ireland differs from the rest of Europe in that there are many different types of genuine currency notes in circulation - the four Northern Ireland banks produce and circulate their own bank notes and genuine Bank of England, Royal Bank of Scotland, Bank of Scotland and Clydesdale Bank notes are also in circulation here which often makes it more difficult to detect a counterfeit note.

“Over the past number of years, with the public having generally easier access to technology, the counterfeiting of security documents such as currency, travellers cheques and business cheques has increased.

“Unfortunately, experience shows that shopkeepers and members of the public are most at risk of being deceived into believing a counterfeit banknote is genuine.”

Mr Allen advised people to inspect every note and said there were a number of ways of telling if a note was genuine or not.

“Be wary of notes that look or feel different and or that are faded," he said. "Check the quality of printing - the colours should be clear and the print on the banknote should be distinct and well defined with sharp fine lines, not blurred or soft edges.

"The banknote should be crisp and slightly rough in the heavily printed areas. t should not be limp, waxy or shiny. You should also always check for the watermark, which should not be apparent until the note is held up to the light and lastly, all genuine notes have a thread embedded in the paper and an individual serial number.”

Mr Allen called for anyone with information regarding counterfeit money to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

(MB)