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Fake £20 notes swamp Hampshire
By Jenny Makin
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POLICE are investigating reports that counterfeit cash is circulating across Southampton, the Daily Echo can reveal.

Shoppers and businesses are among those to have reported fake £20 notes being used across the city.

Hampshire police have confirmed an increase in the number of allegations, particularly during the past two months.

Sergeant Al Dineley said: "It is an issue that seems to be affecting Southampton as a whole.


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Click here to discover how to spot a fake note
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"On many occasions they are being identified at convenience stores where they are being passed by people who are sometimes unaware they are fake."

The Bank of England has also said it is looking into reports of dodgy tender from around the UK and urged people to be cautious and contact police if they fear they are a victim.

advertisementRetailers across Southampton have told the Daily Echo that they have noticed an increase in the number of forged £20 notes.

Some of those surveyed by the Daily Echo said that they had heard a rumour that the fake currency was widely circulated following bets placed on the Grand National in April.

In Southampton the allegations are recorded by police and notification sent to the national Serious and Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) responsible for investigating fraudulent activity and forgery.

In turn they will contact the Bank of England who will then involve specialist money laundering units within the local force concerned if they believe there is a big problem.


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Read about the tactics the forgers use
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It is a crime to be in possession or pass on a note known to be counterfeit.

A spokesman for Hampshire police confirmed there had been an obvious increase in the amount of reports in the city, noticeably during April and May.

There were five allegations made in January and ten reported in both February and March.

That number more than doubled in April when 22 people claimed to have fallen victim to forged money.

So far this month there have been another 15 reports concerning fake tender in the city.

A spokesman said; "There certainly has been an increase in reports made to Hampshire police but we would stress that they are allegations rather than proven cases of counterfeit or forgery.

"At local level each case is dealt with individually with the money recovered and sent to SOCA. Our message to anyone who believes they may be in possession of forged money is to come forward and report it to us."

A spokesman for the Bank of England said it was looking into reports received from around the country.

"There are some counterfeit notes about. They are completely worthless. Don't get caught out - protect yourself and check your banknotes when you receive them.

"If people find they have a counterfeit note they should hand it to the police. People can check their notes easily by checking the security features, such as the feel of the paper and raised printing, the watermark."

Kristine Salomon-Olsen, head of representation for Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce said: "A forged £20 note accepted as payment is a £20 loss to businesses.

"The correct action is to take advice from your bank, the police or the Bank of England, who are the ultimate authority on whether a bank note is one of theirs or not."

It is a crime to be in possession or pass on a note known to be counterfeit.

"If people find they have a counterfeit note they should hand it to the police.

"If people find they have a counterfeit note they should hand it to the police.

Who will then use it to buy themselves a nice fish supper at the local chippy.