FAKE £20 notes are circulating in Huddersfield.
We believe this could be part of a national problem, but over the last week alone we’ve had six reports of counterfeit notes turning up in the Sheepridge, Fartown and Lepton areas.
A close inspection of the notes can make them fairly easy to spot.
The holograms around the silver ball markings are missing and have been replaced by an embossed symbol.
The paper is silky to touch and the metal security strip which should be continuous is not there. It appears instead as a printed dotted line.
Many of the notes have the same serial number.
Numbers on notes already seized include AH73 912147, AH73 838880, AD75 912147 and AD75 882102
The person trying to pass the note on usually buys something for a couple of pounds so they will get lots of genuine change back.
If the victim spots the note is fake the offender will make up some excuse and then hand over a genuine £20.
They are trying to spend these notes in shops, pubs, clubs and taxis.
Now always closely look at any £20 note you get.
Shopkeepers and bar staff should use ultra-violet machines to checks for fakes.
If you have been given a fake note then let us know and also tell us the name – or a description – of the person who gave it you.
It takes seconds to check a £20 note and will save you a whole load of trouble and expense if you end up with one.
It’s illegal for anyone to try to spend one, so don’t try it or you could end up arrested.
We have a good description of a burglar who struck in Thongsbridge.
The man forced open a rear window to get into the home on Longlands Bank at about 6.10pm last Thursday.
He stole an iPod and escaped through the patio door. He is white, about 50, 6ft tall and scrawny. He spoke slowly in a deep voice and may have learning difficulties. He wore a dark blue lightweight jacket, dark grey jeans and a grey woolly hat.
