‘Increased trend for fake notes’ - Wilson

The warning comes after a number of fake £20 notes were detected at a local retail premises last weekend, according to Carrickfergus PCSP chair Councillor Andrew Wilson.

Meanwhile, two men aged 25 and 24 were arrested following a report of tendering counterfeit currency in Carrick in late February.

Police received a report of two incidents on February 21 when counterfeit notes were used in business premises.

Officers then carried out two searches at residential premises with the two arrests subsequently made. Both males were later released on police bail pending further enquiries.

“I have been contacted by a number of individuals who had expressed concern at an increased trend in fake notes in circulation in our borough; this correlated with an increase in reporting to the PSNI over the last few weeks in relation to counterfeit currency,” Cllr Wilson said.

“Counterfeit notes being in circulation will harm our local traders in a tough economic climate so we need to do all we can to combat the problem.”

Police have issued the following tips to help detect fake notes:

- Feel: the paper should feel stiff and crisp, not limp, waxy or shiny.

- Compare both sides of the note to one that you know is genuine. Any differences will become apparent more easily.

- Look: each note has various identifiable features for you to ensure it is genuine.

- Watermark: each family of notes contains a watermark that appears when the note is held up to the light.

- Thread: each family of notes contains a security thread which shows as a continuous line when held up to the light.

- Holograms and foils: when exposed to UV light most notes will show individual markings relative to that bank or note.

- Quality of print: printing should be sharp and well defined with no blurred edges. The colour should be clear and distinct.

- Serial number: each note has an individual number which can appear either horizontally and/or vertically.

Police are also reminding people that it is an offence to pass on a bank note that you know or suspect to be counterfeit.

If you do suspect that a note in your possession is a fake, put it in an envelope, think about who gave it to you and contact police as soon as you can.