Business owners in Thanet are being asked to be vigilant, following reports of counterfeit cash being used on the isle.
Kent Police received reports from four businesses where they were approached by shoppers trying to pay for items with fake £20 notes on Tuesday 27 August.
During the afternoon a note was used at two shops in Station Road, Birchington, and also at businesses in St Mildred’s Gardens and Beach Road in Westgate-on-Sea in the early evening. One of the businesses declined the transaction, having become suspicious over the appearance of the note.
Thanet Community Safety Unit Inspector Jim Woodward said: “We would always advise anyone running or working in a shop, café or other business, to take time to ensure they are happy the notes being offered for payment are genuine.
“Check the feel of the paper, the raised print, metallic strip and watermark. Where possible use a UV light to check for authenticity.
“If anyone suspects they have picked up a fake note they should not allow it to go back into circulation and any incidents should be reported immediately to police via our website.”
Last month a warning was issued by a Birchington pensioner after he was conned by a man using counterfeit £50 notes.
Gerry Collis, 89, raises money for charity through garage sales at his home.
He raised thousands of pounds for the Kent Air Ambulance, when he was captain of Westgate and Birchington Golf Club, and decided to continue fundraising independently.
But he was left out of pocket after a man used fake notes to buy two bikes on August 2. Kent Police also received a report that a counterfeit £50 note was used to pay for goods at a shop in Northdown Road, Cliftonville, at around 4pm on the same day.
Anyone with information regarding the reports of counterfeit £20 notes can call the east Kent appeals line on 01843 222289 quoting 46/145534/24 or for the investigation over the £50 notes quote quoting 46/130916/24.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111 or via their website.
