POLICE are asking members of the public, shopkeepers and publicans to be vigilant after reports of fake £20 notes being used.

Incidents have been reported in Bridport and Sherborne.

Dorset Police advice is to check all notes as they are passed in payment. Criminals trying to use fake notes will target businesses where they know that banknotes are not being checked.

The first incident occurred on Tuesday, April 18 at a shop in Bridport town where two white men described as being aged between 30 and 40 and of slight build used four counterfeit £20 notes to purchase goods.

The second was on Wednesday, April 19 where three white men purchased goods from premises in West Bay using fake £20 notes.

They bought items independently but all three used counterfeit £20 notes so police suspect they were acting together. Two of those involved were described as being of slight build and aged between 20 and 30. The third was described as being about 30 years old and of slight build.

The third incident was on Thursday, April 20 at a shop in Bridport town where two white men attempted to pay for goods using two fake £20 notes. The males were described as being between 30 and 40 years old and of slight build.

The following quick checks can be taken to help identify if a bank note is genuine:

Check the paper and the raised print – bank notes are printed on special paper that gives them their unique feel. By running your finger across the note, you can feel raised print in areas such as the words ‘Bank of England’ on the note.

Check the metallic thread – the metallic thread, which appears as silver dashes on notes, should appear as a continuous dark line when the note is held to the light.

Check the watermark – hold the note up to the light and you should see an image of the Queen.

Check the print quality – the printed lines and colours on bank notes are sharp, clear and free from smudges or blurred edges

Check serial numbers – they should be the same on the front and rear of a note and they are unique. No serial number is repeated on another note

If you discover that you have been passed a counterfeit banknote – police say it is your duty and responsibility to hand this in to the nearest bank so that they can dispose of the note safely.

If you have any information about the circulation of fake notes, contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. For more information also see the Bank of England website www.bankofengland.co.uk