Warning over fake banknotes

Since the start of this week, there have been three reports of fake bank notes being used at shops in the region.

On Monday, May 23, two shops were targeted in Dunbar and North Berwick and on the following day a store in Coldstream confirmed it had also received counterfeit currency.

On each occasion, the notes were reported to be of a “high-quality”, and appeared legitimate on first sight. The notes are all Bank of England £20 notes, which bear either the serial number “AH03 269110” or “HH11 227632”.

PC Alan Curran, from Haddington Police station, said: “It is a criminal offence to hold or pass a note that you know to be counterfeit. I would ask the public to be aware of the recent circulation of counterfeit currency, and to check any paper notes they have received lately to ensure they are legitimate.

“If anyone suspects they have been handed or found a fake bank note, they should retain it and contact the police immediately.

“I would also urge anyone with information that can assist with our investigations to call 101, or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”