AN attempt was made to pass a fake £20 note in Armagh – prompting police to urge vigilance and caution.
The incident happened at the Spires Retail Park, on the Moy Road, and the PSNI is now asking business owners, staff and the public to take a few minutes to check notes carefully before accepting them. Any suspicious incidents should be reported to police.
It is a criminal offence to try and pass or keep a banknote which you know or suspect to be fake. If you inadvertently receive a note which you believe to be counterfeit, it should be taken to the nearest police station.
Following the Armagh incident, police have outlined a number of steps to help raise awareness amongst retailers and customers – and to deter criminals.
For business owners, the PSNI advises: “Display clear warning signs stating ‘counterfeit currency checks will be carried out’. Ensure store staff are aware of how to examine notes. Have a policy for your staff to follow on discovery of a counterfeit note. This should include retention of the note and contacting the police, with a description of the person passing the suspect banknote. Ensure there are good light conditions at cashpoints.”
There are a number of questions which businesses and public should ask.
“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 and 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?”
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