Fake banknotes circulating in Tolworth and Kingston Vale shops (From Surrey Comet)

Fake banknotes circulating in Tolworth and Kingston Vale shops

4:33pm Tuesday 21st February 2012 in Top stories By Clare Buchanan

Kingston's traders and shoppers are being warned of counterfeit banknotes in circulation.

Kingston police said a small number of fake £20 and £50 notes are being distributed within the borough, with most of them reported to be from Tolworth and Vale Parade.

Detective Sergeant Damion Cummings said: “We are asking people to be extra vigilant.

“Most incidents relate to Tolworth and Vale Parade, areas easily accessible from the A3 corridor, but we are concerned that, unchecked, instances may increase.”

Police are asking people to check more than one feature, such as the feel of the paper and raised print, and traits specific to notes including the holographic strip on the £20 and the motion thread on the new £50.

D Sgt Cummings said: “Be extra wary if anyone is passing over a large note for a small purchase.

“We have seen an instance of where someone tried to buy £3.50 of dental floss with a counterfeit £50 note for instance.”

Anyone who believes they have been passed a fake note should take it to police who will issue a receipt for it and forward it to the Bank of England for analysis.

Full details of how to check for counterfeit notes, which are worthless, can be found on the Bank of England website.