1040hrs, 22/05/09
Press Office, Fettes

Police are warning shop owners in Edinburgh to be extra vigilant when checking bank notes following a number of reported incidents involving counterfeit notes recently.

A charity shop in Deanhaugh Street, and the Royal Bank of Scotland in West Circus Place contacted police last Thursday (May 14) having discovered four suspected fake notes. The notes at the bank had come from the cash takings of other local charity shops.

The notes that have been recovered are all Royal Bank of Scotland £20 notes, with a number carrying the same serial number.

A police spokesperson said: 'It would appear the charity shops in particular have been targeted in this case, but we would urge all shop workers to double-check any notes handed over in transactions.

'These notes are relatively good fakes, but when handled there is a marked difference compared to genuine notes. Looking at the paper quality, print quality, metallic security thread, and watermark are three simple ways of checking if the note is counterfeit.

'If anyone suspects they have been handed a fake bank note, they should seize it and hand it in to police for investigation. If you are unsure where it came from, take it to the relevant local bank. It is a criminal offence to hold or pass on a note that you know to be a counterfeit.'

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131 or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.