By Rosie Hughes
FAKE BANK notes have increased in the Leeds area.
Police have warned Leeds businesses to be ‘particularly vigilant’ for counterfeit currency, especially £20 Scottish bank notes.
Officers have received several calls in the past few weeks from people reporting fake notes, suggesting a rise in circulation.
Incidents have included cash-bought second-hand cars, smaller items bought in shops, restaurants and some businesses have been asked to change the notes for English ones.
Sergeant Fiona Van Kampen, of Leeds District Contact Management Unit, has told businesses not to be unduly alarmed but to take all the normal precautions.
She said: “Check more than one of the relevant security features, including the feel of the paper, the watermark, raised print, and any move or tilt hologram.
“It is a criminal offence to hold or pass a banknote knowing it to be counterfeit and any business who encounters one should not return it to the person and should contact the police. We would ask they note a description of the passer and any vehicle details to assist with our enquiries.”