POLICE have issued advice about how to spot counterfeit notes after reports of fake cash in circulation in Warrington.

Officers have been called to eight separate incidents of people passing suspected counterfeit notes to shops and restaurants in the town during September and October.

The notes have been seized in the town centre, Stockton Heath and Westbrook.

Insp Arron Cooper said: “We have received reports of fake notes popping up in the town and we are advising businesses to be aware and make the necessary checks to ensure the notes they are given are genuine.

“We are also urging shoppers to remain vigilant and to report any suspected fake notes to police.

“Holding onto counterfeit notes is a criminal offence so if you discover that you are in possession of a fake note, please do not try and use it or pass it on.

“The advice is to hand it into your nearest bank.”

Businesses are advised to use a UV marker pen on £20 notes – a genuine note does not absorb the liquid from a UV marker pen.

Anyone concerned that a note may be fake can check for raised print in particular across the section that says Bank of England.

The metallic thread can also be used as a tell-tale sign as this should appear as a continuous line if held up to the light.

The print quality should be sharp and not blurred and the microlettering under the Queen’s head should give the value of the note written in letters and numerals.