Police have issued a warning to residents about counterfeit money doing the rounds. 

Officers in North Ayrshire are reminding local shopkeepers and the public to be aware of fraudulent bank notes in circulation and PC Johnson, Preventions and Interventions Officer, said: “Please remain vigilant and take time to thoroughly check all bank notes offered as payment, particularly if they are of high value or being used to pay for minor items which will generate significant change.”

“Counterfeit notes can look - at first glance – very realistic however we recommend you examine the notes for texture, watermark, the quality and sharpness of the printing, duplication of the serial number and even their size.”

“Retailers can take simple steps to avoid being scammed by using items such as detector pens and UV scanners, both of with significantly increase the chance of identifying the note as counterfeit prior to the transaction being completed. If you are unsure if the note is genuine then do not accept it or get a colleague to check it.”

Anyone who deliberately uses counterfeit currency is committing a crime and we will investigate all instances reported to us.

Anyone who has concerns about counterfeit currency should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.