Businesses in East Lothian and in the Scottish Borders are being urged to remain vigilant following recent incidents of counterfeit currency being used as payment.
There have been three reports of fake bank notes being used at shops throughout the region. On Monday, May 23, two shops were targeted in Dunbar and North Berwick and on the following day a store in Coldstream confirmed it had also received counterfeit currency.
On each occasion, the notes were reported to be of a “high-quality”, and appeared legitimate on first sight. The notes are all Bank of England £20 notes, which bare either the serial number “AH03 269110” or “HH11 227632”.
PC Alan Curran, from Haddington Police station, said: “It is a criminal offence to hold or pass a note that you know to be counterfeit. I would ask the public to be aware of the recent circulation of counterfeit currency, and to check any paper notes they have received lately to ensure they are legitimate.
“If anyone suspects they have been handed or found a fake bank note, they should retain it and contact the police immediately.
“I would also urge anyone with information that can assist with our investigations to call 101, or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
