Protect Against Forgery Notes This Xmas Say Crime Prevention Products

As far back as 2008, there has been a surge of fake £20 notes circulating the UK. In the run-up to this Christmas, Kent police have issued a fresh warning following a spate of these forgeries occurring in the Thanet and Canterbury areas.

Already, more than £3,000 worth of fake £20s have been handed in to police by both businesses and individuals. To counter this trend, leading security providers such as Crime Prevention Products are advising the public that there is a simple yet highly effective way to check whether notes are real or not.

Using a money pen, all that is needed is to make a small mark on the note in question for immediate verification of its authenticity – if the colour of the mark remains clear or turns yellow, the currency is above board. If the ink turns brown, black or grey however, there's a good chance that the note is a forgery.

Security experts also advise that there are other signs that show the difference between real and forged money, such as:

• The feel of the paper – an authentic note should be slightly rough and not waxy, limp or shiny.
• Raised print in areas such as the words "Bank of England" and in the bottom right hand corner, around the number 20.
• A watermark that is visible when a note is held up to the light.
• A metal strip threaded through the paper.

Nevertheless, when a large wad of £20 notes is given, it is not easy and very time consuming to make such thorough checks as listed above. But with one stroke of a counterfeit detection pen, each note can be immediately checked for validity. These handy items retail from reputable suppliers for as little as £1.66 and they have a shelf life of one year.

Sergeant Amanda Cullen from the Thanet Community Safety Unit advises that if a person discovers a forged note, they should take it to the nearest police station.

She commented: "We are finding that these notes are being passed in pubs, clubs, small businesses and large retail stores. We know it is a busy time of year for shopping but we would ask people to take a little longer to check the notes they are given to make sure they aren't fake. We would also advise charities, churches and schools who may be holding Christmas fairs and functions to make sure they check notes they are given as criminals do callously rip off voluntary and charitable organisations."