Warning after counterfeit £20 notes are used at school events

Police are warning schools and businesses to be vigilant and check any money they receive after counterfeit notes were used in Cheltenham and Gloucester.

It was reported that four counterfeit £20 notes had been used at a school fireworks display in Cheltenham and in a separate incident £300 worth of counterfeit £20 notes were used at a school event in Churchdown, Gloucester.

PC Johnson from the Crime Standards Bureau said “We are encouraging schools, shops, supermarkets, garages and businesses in general to be vigilant when given notes as a form of payment.

“To check the quality of a note you can scratch them with a pen lid or sharp nail as the ink can come off on counterfeit notes.”

Anyone with information or who believes they have been given counterfeit notes can report this by completing the following online form: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/soh/seen-or-heard/

Advice on how to check if banknotes are genuine or counterfeit can be found here: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/counterfeit-banknotes/how-to-check-your-banknotes

Advice from Action Fraud on what to do if you receive counterfeit money can be found here: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/blog/counterfeit-currency-what-to-do-if-you-receive-counterfeit-notes-or-coins-and-where-to-report